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Chris Olave 2025 NFL Dynasty Outlook
- Nov 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) with the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Charles Harris (40) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Chris Olave is like that shiny sports car in your garage that wows everyone—but keeps running into mechanical issues the moment you take it out for a spin. If you’re a dynasty fantasy football manager, you’ve probably experienced the full spectrum of emotions when it comes to Olave. One minute, he’s carving up defenders like a Thanksgiving turkey, the next, you’re constantly refreshing your phone, praying to see “Chris Olave cleared to play.”

With that in mind, buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep-dive into the 2025 NFL Dynasty outlook for the Saints’ WR1 and unpack whether he’s a dream pick or your next headache.

Why Chris Olave Still Turns Heads

Jul 28, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) runs routes during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

First off, can we talk about Olave’s skill set? The guy is an artist on the field. His route-running? Immaculate. His speed? Certified game-changer, clocking a 4.39 40-yard dash. Over his career (which feels longer because of drama, but he’s only 25!), he’s averaged 2.21 yards per route run, which is elite territory. He’s the guy your QB looks for when the chips are down.

Oh, and the Saints know what they have in him, exercising his fifth-year option and treating him like the polished gem they believe he can be. Twelve-hundred-yard potential is real, but as always with Olave, there’s a catch.

Injuries, Risk, and That Unpredictable Quarterback Room

Here’s where dynasty managers start sweating. Olave’s injury history, topped by multiple documented concussions, raises serious flags. (And by serious, we mean stop-you-in-your-tracks kind of flags.) The thought of just one more head injury has some fantasy owners driving to “Trade Town.” It’s not just about missing games anymore; we’re nearing the conversation of potential long-term implications. Déjà vu of Jordan Reed, anyone?

To make matters messier, the Saints’ quarterback situation resembles a revolving door rather than a well-oiled machine. Derek Carr, while capable, hasn’t exactly been Olave-friendly, serving him some hospital balls that probably had Olave rethinking his career choices. Add in Carr’s erratic accuracy and a general offensive dysfunction, and you’ve got a recipe for fantasy managers biting their nails every Sunday.

The Upside That Keeps Us Coming Back

Here’s the kicker (and the reason Olave hasn’t disappeared from dynasty rosters overnight): he’s still the WR1 in New Orleans. Even with the Saints’ offensive struggles, Olave garners a significant target share (we’re talking over 23% on a bad day). Volume is king in fantasy football, and as long as the Saints trot him out on the field healthy, he’s going to get opportunities.

Better yet, Olave absolutely thrives as a deep-ball threat. When everything clicks, you’re looking at a receiver who can break a game wide open with a single play. Imagine starting your week down 20 points, and Olave drops a 45-yard reception and a TD to drag you back into a win. That’s what keeps dynasty owners hooked.

Dynasty Strategy for Olave Owners

Now, this is where things get spicy. If you already own Olave, you’re in one of two camps:

  1. Hold the Line – You believe in his talent, trust the Saints’ commitment, and have the risk tolerance of a thrill-seeker. Congrats! Just remember to keep medical updates close at hand.
  2. Sell High-ish – If you’ve lost faith in his durability, this might be your exit window. A few strong games early in 2025 could give him enough shine to flip him for a future first-round rookie pick, or package him for a more consistent package. Target managers in rebuilding phases who are more inclined to roll the dice on younger wide receivers.

If you’re considering acquiring Olave, now might be the perfect time to buy low. His draft-day price has slid to the late 6th or 7th rounds in dynasty start-ups, which makes him a bargain if you believe he can stay healthy in the long term.

Final Verdict on Olave’s Dynasty Value

Chris Olave is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward fantasy asset heading into 2025. On a good day, he’s an elite WR1 tearing defensive backs to shreds. On a bad day, you’re refreshing injury reports while fighting back tears.

If you’re someone who loves living dangerously (or doesn’t mind a gamble on pure talent), Olave could make your dynasty season. But proceed with caution; his dynasty stock is one more concussion or Saints QB mishap away from a full-on freefall.

Whether you’re holding, buying, or selling, one thing’s for sure—we all better keep refreshing those sleeper alerts for Olave news. You’re not just managing a fantasy team; you’re managing a soap opera.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Fantasy Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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