Ladd McConkey
vs Chris Olave

“Jason thinks Ladd McConkey ’s injury was the final straw for the Chargers’ offense through their first two games but expects them to “bounce forward,” but not all the way back. Andy is more pessimistic about their rest-of-season outlook. The Chargers are the second team in NFL history to lose back-to-back games by double digits with both coming at home against teams that had a sub-.200 win pct the previous season.”

“McConkey played only 45.2% of the snaps last week and saw an 11.1% target share while dealing with a rib injury, which helps explain why we are getting him at just 6.34% pOwn. Add on the Chargers are the NFL’s biggest letdown in 2026, and there is reason for concern. The matchup is the reason to buy the dip, as BUF has allowed the sixth-most yards per target and eighth-most fantasy points per target to slot WRs.”

“Through two games, Ladd McConkey has been underwhelming. Yes, his rib injury is part of the entire equation, but the entire Chargers offense has been a rollercoaster so far. Last week, despite having a 45.2% snap share, he had a 67.7% route share.”

“The reason McConkey was limited to only 18 routes was that he left the game early after getting lit up. His absence tanked the offense. Looking into what really went wrong for the Chargers, and when McConkey went out things fell off a cliff On/Off McConkey splits per @NextGenStats On: 8.9 Yards per pass Off: 3.9 Yards per pass On: 0.12 EPA/Play Off: -0.61 EPA/Play Whole different offense — Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 14, 2026 Quentin Johnston corralled two of his six targets for 17 scoreless yards on 27 routes, tying with Tre’ Harris for the team lead in routes.”

“Hampton was Andy’s start of the week, and Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey are must-starts against the Cardinals’ defense.”

“He’s the No. 1 receiver for Justin Herbert , and now Mike McDaniel is the offensive coordinator for the team. Last season, when Keenan Allen wasn’t on the field, Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in target share at 20%.”

“That leaves a sizable hole in the offense, and McConkey should be the biggest beneficiary of those vacated targets.”

“Ladd McConkey is my bet for Herbert’s pass-catcher who will benefit the most from better health along the offensive line.”

“Among 69 wideouts with at least 100 routes this year, Olave is eighth in target share (25.4%), tied for eighth in targets per route run (0.27), sixth in first-read rate (33.8%), and fifth in air yard share (44.3%). His elite underlying data has led to 7.8 receptions per game, 107.4 receiving yards per game, one receiving touchdown, 2.3 expected receiving touchdowns, 21.5 DraftKings points per game, 21.2 expected DraftKings points per game, 15.8 FanDuel points per game, and 17.6 expected FanDuel points per game.”

“| Panic Meter: 0 If Tyler Shough was going down with the ship on Sunday, Chris Olave was unfortunately along for the ride. Olave managed just four receptions for 46 yards against Minnesota. The Vikings made life miserable for the entire Saints offense, holding the unit to just 142 total yards.”

“Murray/Hockenson with Olave is my shot at MIN scoring through the air instead of through Jones.”

“Saints Fantasy Wide Receiver Preview Chris Olave (TRUST) Olave has double-digit targets in every game, leading to lines of 10-182-0, 8-86-1, and 9-107-0. He has run 132 routes (2nd only to his teammate Devaughn Vele ) but has seen 29% of the targets (WR5) and 47.7% of the air yards (WR4). He has play volume and front-end usage on his side, which has made him a front-end WR1 for fantasy.”

“Olave has had at least 10 targets in each game this season. Olave will be somewhat popular, but with his price the sixth-highest on DraftKings, rostership shouldn’t be too aggressive. He’s a strong stack with Shough and playable as a one-off as well.”

“Chris Olave is second in the league in both catches and receiving yards. Olave is also tied for second with DK Metcalf in total routes run. And yet, Olave is actually second on his own team in routes run.”

“Chris Olave – 13 targets, 10 rec Devaughn Vele – 9 targets, 7 rec Travis Etienne Jr . – 9 targets, 7 rec The Saints fell to Detroit in that overtime game, but it was not for lack of trying, especially from Tyler Shough , who attempted 56 passes. With that many passes going around, it is not surprising to see a trio of Saints with at least nine targets. Olave averaged 9.8 targets/game last season, while Vele tied his career-high with the nine targets.”

“Playing with a guardian cap in an effort to stave off concussions that have plagued him in the past, Olave is easily Tyler Shough ‘s favorite target and will look to repeat as a mid-range WR1 this season.”

“Chris Olave averaged 18.8 fantasy PPG with Tyler Shough. Only Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown averaged more in 2025.”

“Whenever he is on the field opposite Chris Olave (who has his own injury history), Tyson has tremendous upside, offering elite separation ability and versatility across the field.”