DeVonta Smith vs. Chris Olave: 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings and Projections

DeVonta Smith: Consistency and Upside

• 💡 DeVonta Smith has consistently delivered 14-15 PPR points per game over the last three seasons, demonstrating reliability.
• 🎯 Despite a target crunch, Smith has managed to get the job done, often serving as a number three wide receiver.
• 🚀 His upside is particularly notable when key teammates like A.J. Brown or Dallas Goedert are sidelined, potentially leading to top-five fantasy performances.
• 📈 In games where Brown or Goedert were out in 2023, Smith averaged 17.3 PPR points per game, showing his capability to elevate his play.

Chris Olave: Upside and Potential

• 🎯 Chris Olave is viewed as having the upside to be more than a number three receiver, with potential for top-15 caliber performance.
• 📈 His best season yielded 14.5 PPR points per game, but he has shown flashes of higher potential in smaller sample sizes.
• 🏈 In his six healthy games with Derek Carr in 2023, Olave averaged seven targets per game, indicating a solid role.
• ⚠️ A key argument against Olave is his lack of touchdowns and inconsistency in fully realizing his potential over his NFL career.

Offensive Context and Projections

• 🏈 The New Orleans Saints' offense under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is a point of consideration, with questions about the offensive line and quarterback depth.
• 🚀 Philadelphia's offense is expected to throw more in 2025, potentially opening up more opportunities for DeVonta Smith, especially if Dallas Goedert's role diminishes or he leaves the team.
• 🎯 If Chris Olave can secure a consistent target share of over seven per game and capitalize on his opportunities, he could outperform Smith.
• 📊 The debate often comes down to choosing between Smith's proven consistency and Olave's higher ceiling, depending on a fantasy manager's draft strategy and risk tolerance.

Key Statistical Comparisons

• 📊 In 2022, DeVonta Smith recorded 95 catches for 1,110 yards and seven touchdowns on 136 targets.
• 🎯 Chris Olave had a strong finish to his 2022 season, averaging 18.1 PPR points in his final eight games when Goedert was limited or out.
• 📈 Smith's performance without Goedert in a three-week sample in 2023 was exceptional, averaging 21.4 PPR points per game with nine targets.