Chris Olave, a standout wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, remains a strong fantasy football candidate for 2025 due to his expected role in the team‘s offense and his proven ability to accumulate yards and targets. However, his history of multiple concussions poses a significant health risk that may limit his playing time or even threaten his career longevity. With Kellen Moore taking over as head coach and emphasizing slot receiver use, Olave’s potential as a primary slot option could boost his fantasy value, despite ongoing injury concerns.

Olave’s NFL Performance and Injury History

Selected 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Olave quickly emerged as the Saints’ leading receiver after Michael Thomas’s injury and Jarvis Landry’s absence limited their impact. In his rookie season, Olave recorded 1,042 receiving yards and doubled the yardage of the next closest teammate despite missing two games, including one due to a concussion sustained early in his career. His promising start continued into 2023 with similar production, even after switching quarterbacks from Andy Dalton to Derek Carr. Although his target rate slightly decreased, Olave increased his total targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, finishing 19th in fantasy points per game.

The 2024 season began with strong Saints performances, but Olave’s playing time fluctuated because of game blowouts and his role shifting primarily to decoy in the early weeks. Mid-season, he suffered two more concussions that forced significant missed time and ultimately led to his shutdown for the season. Throughout his NFL tenure, Olave has now experienced six documented concussions, a grave concern that overshadows his on-field potential. His presence in only half of his games without injury or blowout factors yielded career-best fantasy points per game, reinforcing his upside if health permits.

Changing Offensive Roles and Teammate Dynamics

Initially, Olave operated as the Saints’ Z receiver during his first two seasons but was shifted to the X receiver role in 2024 following Michael Thomas’s departure. This change lowered his target share as Rashid Shaheed took over many slot responsibilities, reducing Olave’s opportunities despite consistent involvement in the offense. The Saints’ receiving corps also includes Cedrick Wilson Jr. in the slot position and saw the return of veteran Brandin Cooks after Marquez Valdes-Scantling left for the Seattle Seahawks, maintaining competition for targets.

The tight end and running back spaces remained stable, meaning Olave should remain the top option in the passing game, even if Shaheed makes a significant leap after recovering from injury. The volume of passing attempts is expected to remain high under new head coach Kellen Moore, whose offensive philosophies favor heavy wide receiver involvement.

Kellen Moore’s Influence and the Quarterback Situation

Kellen Moore’s arrival as head coach is a crucial factor for Olave’s fantasy outlook. Moore’s offenses have historically favored high utilization of slot receivers, producing strong fantasy outputs for those players. Over the past three seasons, the primary slot receiver in Moore’s offense averaged between 15.3 and 21.5 PPR points per game. However, Moore’s preference for slot usage raises questions about whether Olave or Shaheed will secure that role, as both receivers have similar size and speed profiles and substantial slot experience.

Complicating Olave’s outlook is the Saints’ unsettled quarterback situation. Derek Carr, the starter for 2023, has announced his retirement but remains on the roster, leaving the starting job open. Rookie Tyler Shough, drafted in the second round, will compete with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener for the role. On paper, this trio represents one of the weakest quarterback units in the NFL, exhibiting below-average passing efficiency and target quality. Nevertheless, if Olave focuses on slot routes designed for shorter, quicker passes, his production may be somewhat insulated from quarterback struggles.

Statistical Indicators of Olave’s Fantasy Value

Olave’s efficiency remains strong when compared to other wide receivers, with a 25.4% target rate over the past three seasons placing him eighth among wide receivers and a yards per route run average of 2.21 ranking ninth. These metrics highlight his consistent involvement and productivity within the Saints’ offense. However, frequent concussions and game absences mean his full potential may not be realized every week. His ability to maintain performance while healthy suggests that, from a pure fantasy perspective, he has top-15 potential if circumstances align.

Health Concerns and Career Outlook

Chris Olave’s most pressing issue is his concussion history. The 2024 season ended prematurely after his second concussion in a short span, adding to four previous concussions dating back to his college career at Ohio State. This pattern raises the risk of long-term health complications and jeopardizes his availability for upcoming seasons. Another concussion could result in a season-ending injury or even force retirement, making him a volatile option despite his talent.

“Olave’s concussion history makes him a significant risk.” —PFF Analysis

Summary: Talent Tempered by Injury Risks and Team Factors

Chris Olave’s 2025 fantasy football profile presents a compelling mix of high upside and serious concern. His role as a top target in Kellen Moore’s offense, combined with proven efficiency and solid yardage, positions him as a potential top-15 wide receiver in fantasy leagues. However, the uncertainty surrounding the Saints’ quarterback depth chart and Olave’s injury history, particularly with six documented concussions, casts a shadow over his reliability. Fantasy managers must weigh his talent and opportunity against the likelihood of significant missed time when deciding his value for the upcoming season.