Saints’ Chris Olave will be the top player to watch against Falcons in Week 1

New Orleans Saints rookie Chris Olave will get his first taste of the NFL in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, and he’s our player to watch at the start of the season.

With Michael Thomas still questionable for Week 1, Olave could feature in a very important offensive role against the Falcons. If Thomas doesn’t start, Olave will be the de facto WR1 with slot guy Jarvis Landry and likely Marquez Callaway starting alongside him.

After scoring his first touchdown in preseason, Olave looks comfortable in NOLA’s offensive scheme and should make an immediate impact.

The 2022 first-rounder showed off his elite route-running capabilities all throughout the summer and should have no trouble creating separation between defenders. Against a relatively weak Falcons secondary, Olave will either be guarded by cornerback A.J. Terrell or Casey Hayward, and even though they both have more league experience, Olave has the element of surprise.

Saints’ Chris Olave will make an immediate impact in Week 1 against Falcons

Under the strong arm of Jameis Winston, Olave can feasibly record a 100-yard receiving game and score his first career touchdown.

Winston showed the league just a glimpse of what he could do in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, efficiently driving down the field for a game-opening touchdown. Winston has more seasoned targets in Callaway and Landry, but whereas Callaway remains somewhat inconsistent and Landry is best at moving the chains, Olave poses as a dangerous and dynamic deep threat.

His speed, catching skills, and tactical awareness should help him make some potentially jaw-dropping plays in Week 1 whether it’s a leaping grab down the sidelines or getting breakaway yards after the catch.

There are countless players to keep an eye on in the Saints’ season-opener from breakout hopefuls to resurgent vets, but Olave just might be the most entertaining to watch.