If you’re wondering whether New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave should be on your fantasy radar this season, the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast episode with Matt Harmon and Footballguys’ Alfredo Brown provides some insight — and a lot of optimism.
First, let’s state the obvious: Olave has already posted two 1,000-yard receiving seasons since entering the league in 2022. However, he’s yet to benefit from consistent, high-level quarterback play. Harmon and Brown both agree that his connection with quarterback Derek Carr last season wasn’t exactly seamless.
“They never really had the best chemistry in the world,” Harmon explains, pointing to the lack of rhythm as one of the main reasons Olave hasn’t reached his full fantasy potential.
Despite these challenges, there’s a significant upside buried in all the uncertainty. With new head coach Kellen Moore at the helm, there’s growing excitement about Olave’s potential to be used more creatively, including possibly more time in the slot.
“What Moore has done for someone like DeVonta Smith… both Smith and Olave are elite route runners,” Harmon points out. “They don’t need to play in the slot, but they can absolutely be weaponized there.”
Brown adds to the optimism: “Olave has the upside for high-target volume, deep-ball efficiency, and he’s just one of those guys. Tyler Shough, the likely new quarterback, is actually a pretty good deep-ball thrower. That could be huge for Olave.”
If Moore utilizes Olave in the slot, it could lead to more easy targets. With a new offense and a quarterback not afraid to push the ball downfield, Olave might have the opportunity for more big games — something that has been elusive so far.
While there’s some risk, especially with quarterback uncertainty and Olave coming off two concussions last season that limited him to just eight games, the potential for a breakout season is very real.
Olave’s combination of youth, route-running ability, and untapped ceiling makes him an enticing prospect for fantasy managers. If he builds chemistry with his quarterback and becomes a key part of Moore’s offense, the breakout many have been waiting for could be just around the corner. Keep an eye on him this summer as you prepare for your fantasy drafts.
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