George Kittle vs Isaiah Likely
Isaiah Likely holds a 17.9% edge in Superflex dynasty value.Updated 9/18/2026
THE CASE FOR KITTLE
Kittle is still a weekly difference-maker at TE with elite efficiency and spike-week upside in a strong 49ers offense. For contenders, his near-term points edge over most of the position can be worth more than the small market discount tied to age. The 2.8% valuation gap is small enough that if you’re pushing chips in, you take the proven high-end scorer and live with the shorter runway.
THE CASE FOR LIKELY
Likely’s value is in age, insulation, and the chance he grows into a long-term starter, which fits dynasty timelines better than a 32.8-year-old TE. Even without a guaranteed target monopoly, his athletic profile and red-zone utility give him upside if his role consolidates. At essentially the same price as Kittle, he’s the cleaner bet to hold value (or gain) over the next 2–3 years.
VERDICT BY TEAM SITUATION
Kittle for contenders—take the higher confidence weekly ceiling now, and the small valuation premium is justified.
Likely for rebuilders—similar cost with a much better age curve and better odds of retaining trade value.
If you’re truly in the middle, lean Likely unless Kittle is your clear TE1 upgrade that materially increases title odds.
17.5% of champions
George Kittle was on 1,222 championship rosters
Isaiah Likely — outside top 50 champion players
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Worth more?
Likely is worth more in dynasty longevity/value insulation, while Kittle can be worth more in a contender-only points context.
Trade?
I’d trade Kittle for Likely plus a small add (late 2nd/early 3rd type), or buy Kittle with Likely straight up if you’re a top-3 contender.
Superflex?
Superflex doesn’t materially change the TE-vs-TE call—roster direction (win-now vs build) should decide it.
RUN THIS TRADE YOURSELF
See exactly what George Kittle and Isaiah Likely are worth side-by-side in our Trade Calculator.
OPEN TRADE CALCULATORRELATED COMPARISONS
RESEARCH & TOOLS
What Championship Rosters Have in Common
78.4% had a top-10 RB. The real champion profile from 9,983 rosters.
Stars vs Depth
Champions held 38.3% of value in 3 players. Concentrate, don't spread.
Who Wins Lopsided Trades?
The value "loser" wins titles more often. Don't fear the overpay.
Championship DNA Players
Bijan 23%, Puka 19.3%. The players who keep showing up on title teams.