There are few things in fantasy football more frustrating than disappointing superstars. Among the several top fantasy assets struggling to start the season is Ladd McConkey. Should fantasy managers who drafted McConkey hold the line in hopes of a turnaround? Or is now the time to cash out while the Los Angeles Chargers WR still has most of his pre-draft value?
Ladd McConkey Fantasy Outlook
McConkey emerged as one of fantasy football’s breakout stars in 2024, delivering an exceptional rookie campaign that caught many by surprise. He caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 15.1 fantasy points per game. What made his season special wasn’t just the final numbers, but how he closed strong when it mattered most.
From Weeks 1-10, McConkey was still figuring things out, averaging just 12.4 fantasy points per game. But from Week 11 to 18, McConkey was on another level, averaging 18.67 PPG. His best performance came in the Chargers’ playoff game, where he caught nine passes for 197 yards and a touchdown for 34.7 fantasy points.
The efficiency metrics were equally impressive. McConkey averaged 2.56 yards per route run and maintained a strong 24.5% target share despite playing on one of the NFL’s slowest offenses. Under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers averaged 30.7 seconds per snap, which was 0.4 seconds slower than the next slowest team.
McConkey’s sophomore season projection looked bright heading into 2025. He had no real threat to his alpha WR1 status, Justin Herbert throwing him the ball, and room for his target share to increase. Draft analysts ranked him as the WR11 with an ADP in the mid-second round.
Unfortunately, three weeks into 2025, McConkey has been a massive disappointment for fantasy managers who invested that early capital. He opened the season with a solid 13.4 fantasy points against Kansas City, but has declined each game since, posting 9.8 and 8.1 in Weeks 2 and 3. He’s averaging just 10.4 fantasy points per game through three contests.
The underlying numbers reveal the real problem. Despite being the most talented receiver on the team, McConkey is lagging behind both Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston in targets. His 19.3% target share ranks 41st league-wide, and his 21.2% targets per route run rate ranks 46th. Those are not alpha receiver numbers for someone drafted as a potential WR1.
McConkey has caught 15 passes on 21 targets for 163 yards and zero touchdowns through three games. His 10.4 fantasy points per game ranks him outside the top 30 receivers this season. The volume simply hasn’t been there despite his obvious talent.
Should Fantasy Managers Buy, Sell, or Hold McConkey?
The key question for McConkey managers is whether this slow start represents a temporary blip or a permanent reality in Los Angeles’ crowded receiving room. Allen’s return on a one-year deal and Johnston’s emergence as a deep threat have clearly cut into McConkey’s target pie. The Chargers also drafted Tre Harris in the second round, adding another body to the mix.
However, McConkey remains clearly the most talented receiver on this roster. He’s consistently getting open and showing the same route-running precision that made him special as a rookie. The problem isn’t his play. It’s the distribution of opportunities in an offense that still wants to run the ball frequently.
Ladd McConkey is still crushing, per @FantasyPtsData. They chart every route. And McConkey’s numbers look fantastic, as per usual. Better, even.
Average separation score:
.160 – 2024
.207 – 2025Route win rate:
21% – 2024
22% – 2025— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) September 23, 2025
At some point, the Chargers should realize their most talented receiver needs more touches.
This is a situation where fantasy managers should bet on talent over early-season volume concerns. McConkey’s time will come as the season progresses and the Chargers need more explosive plays from their passing game. His rookie track record of strong second-half performance suggests patience could be rewarded.
McConkey is a hold or even a buy candidate if you can get him at a discount from frustrated managers. Don’t sell a player with his talent level after three disappointing weeks when the underlying metrics show he’s still getting open and running quality routes. Sometimes the best fantasy plays require patience rather than panic.
