Who Should I Start? Justin Herbert or Chris Olave

Thursday, July 24, 5:55 PM

The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey's chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert continues to blossom in Year 2 and described it as a "seemingly telepathic connection." McConkey knows when to sit down on routes against certain defensive looks, when to manipulate defensive leverages and when to expect the ball from Herbert on either shoulder. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said this week that McConkey "is uncoverable right now by one guy." For the 23-year-old Georgia product to really thrive, he needs one of Quentin Johnston or rookies Tre Harris and Keandre Lambert-Smith to threaten defenses deep down the field. McConkey was a stud in his first year in the NFL, catching 82 of his 112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite being in a run-first offense, he's a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in fantasy.

Tuesday, July 22, 4:16 PM

ESPN's Erin Summers reports that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (head) is a full go ahead of the team's training camp. It's excellent news for the former Ohio State Buckeye, whose 2024 was marred by multiple concussions that forced him to miss nine contests. Olave is a gifted NFL wide receiver, though we haven't quite seen his full upside in fantasy. Despite entering the season healthy, that may not be the case again, with questions surrounding the quarterback position after Derek Carr's abrupt departure. As of now, Tyler Shough appears to be the favorite to win the job over Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. If Shough is just average, that'd be enough to make Olave's current price in drafts worth the risk. Talent has never been a concern for the 25-year-old, but his current situation doesn't inspire much confidence -- even as his team's unquestioned No. 1 wideout.