Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Chris Olave vs DK MetcalfWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Chris Olave is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 13.6 PPG to DK Metcalf's 10.5 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Chris Olave is the better fantasy play this season.

Chris Olave is the better play on a neutral week. 13.6 PPG with 1,160 yards gives a reliable baseline. DK Metcalf at 10.5 PPG is not far behind and could win specific weeks where matchup and game script align. Draft Chris Olave higher, but do not fade DK Metcalf entirely.

Moderate confidence: stats favor the leader, but matchup variance could flip this weekly.

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WRNew Orleans Saints#9PPG LEADER

Chris Olave

PPG

13.6

Games

Rec

100

Rec Yds

1,163

Rec TDs

Targets

156

Bye

Week 8

WRPittsburgh Steelers#25

DK Metcalf

PPG

10.5

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

850

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 9

The Edge Chart

Chris Olave

DK Metcalf

Head to Head

13.6 PPG10.5 PPG

16 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 8Bye: Week 9

Fantasy Tiers

Chris Olave: Tier 2 (Strong Starter) WR (ranked #9 at the position). DK Metcalf: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) WR (ranked #25 at the position). Among the top 50 wide receivers this season, Chris Olave is producing at 62% of elite pace and DK Metcalf at 48%. That ranking gap means Chris Olave carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Chris Olave vs DK Metcalf: The Full Breakdown

If you are choosing between Chris Olave and DK Metcalf for your lineup, you are not alone. Chris Olave finished the 2025 season at 13.6 PPG for the New Orleans Saints (16 games), and DK Metcalf averaged 10.5 for the Pittsburgh Steelers (15 games).

That 3.1-point weekly advantage for Chris Olave is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Target volume is the story here. Chris Olave saw 156 targets in 2025, while DK Metcalf drew 99. That workload gap usually translates into a higher weekly floor for Chris Olave, even in weeks where DK Metcalf posts the bigger ceiling game. Consistency-minded managers lean toward target share; boom-bust managers chase the upside.

One scheduling note: Chris Olave is off Week 8 and DK Metcalf Week 9. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in wide receiver for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Chris Olave is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. DK Metcalf is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Chris Olave (age 25) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset. DK Metcalf (age 28) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Chris Olave outscored DK Metcalf by a projected 53 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Chris Olave played 16 games in 2025 compared to DK Metcalf's 15. That durability gap means Chris Olave contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Chris Olave scored 9 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.6 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at wide receiver.
•Chris Olave saw 156 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the wide receiver position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Chris Olave vs DK Metcalf: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Chris Olave	DK Metcalf
PPG (Half-PPR)	13.6	10.5
Games Played	16	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	218	158
Receptions	100	59
Rec/Game	6.3	3.9
Receiving Yards	1,163	850
Rec Yds/Game	72.7	56.7
Receiving TDs	9	6
Targets	156	99
Target Share/Game	9.8	6.6
Age	25	28
Experience	3 yrs	6 yrs
Bye Week	Week 8	Week 9

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Chris Olave at 13.6 PPG, 3.1 points per game above DK Metcalf's 10.5. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Chris Olave or DK Metcalf in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Chris Olave has the edge at 13.6 PPG compared to DK Metcalf's 10.5 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Chris Olave and DK Metcalf average in 2025?▾

Chris Olave averaged 13.6 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 16 games in 2025. DK Metcalf averaged 10.5 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 3.1 points per game.

When are Chris Olave and DK Metcalf's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Chris Olave (NO) has a bye in Week 8, and DK Metcalf (PIT) has a bye in Week 9. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Chris Olave or DK Metcalf a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?▾

Chris Olave outscored DK Metcalf by 3.1 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.