BrockPurdy

News: 3 days agoPurdy completed 16 of 25 pass attempts for 242 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's 45-29 rout over the Cardinals.

Spin: Purdy was forced to leave the game in the second quarter with a shoulder stinger to his non-throwing arm, but he was cleared to return after missing just a handful of snaps, as reported by David Lombardi of The Athletic. The overacheiving sophomore confirmed his good health by throwing two of his four touchdowns in the second half of the win over the Cardinals. This was the third time this season that Purdy has thrown four touchdowns to no turnovers, with Sunday's coming at a clutch time for fantasy managers currently in the playoffs. Purdy will look to strengthen his mounting MVP bid in a home matchup against the Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 16.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Purdy was one of the most surprising Cinderella stories of the 2022 season, going from Mr. Irrelevant (the final pick of the NFL draft) in April to leading his team to the NFC Championship Game in January. Purdy took over as the 49ers' starter in Week 13 and proceeded to toss at least two TDs in seven consecutive games. He ranked 11th in fantasy PPG during the final six weeks of the regular season. There are some concerns here, though, including his low pedigree and small sample of work, as well as very small rushing contributions (34 rushing yards in eight full games). On the other hand, he has offensive guru Kyle Shanahan calling the plays and a terrific group of targets. Purdy will start for the 49ers, though if he struggles, Sam Darnold is waiting in the wings. Consider Purdy a late-round sleeper.