Brock Purdy shines in NFL preseason Week 2: Will the 49ers QB be a top fantasy football pick this season?

Brock Purdy’s stellar performance in NFL preseason Week 2 has fantasy football managers buzzing. The 49ers quarterback showcased his chemistry with rookie Ricky Pearsall, solidifying his case as a potential breakout star this season. With precision passes and clutch plays, Purdy is proving he belongs in the top-tier QB conversation.

The 49ers’ offense looks revitalized under Purdy’s leadership, raising questions about his fantasy football value. As Week 2 highlights roll in, his connection with Pearsall and command of the system stand out, making him a tantalizing draft target.

While preseason performances come with caveats, Purdy’s poise and production are hard to ignore. Fantasy owners weighing risk vs. reward may find his upside irresistible.

Brock Purdy’s Week 2 Preseason Performance: Fantasy Football Gold or Fool’s Gold?

Brock Purdy demonstrated textbook precision in the 49ers’ preseason matchup against the Saints, completing 12 of 15 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. His chemistry with rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall was particularly notable, connecting on three consecutive drives. The 49ers’ offensive line held strong despite missing two starters, giving Purdy ample time to scan the field.

Purdy’s passer rating of 118.7 ranked highest among Week 2 starting QBs, showcasing his efficiency in Kyle Shanahan’s system. However, preseason performances often create misleading fantasy expectations. While Purdy avoided turnovers, his limited deep attempts (just one pass over 20 yards) raises questions about ceiling in standard scoring leagues.

Remember Ms. Tomato, preseason stats are like ice cream – delicious but not nutritious for fantasy decisions. Shanahan’s offense makes QBs look good, but will it translate when defenses scheme against Purdy?

But Mr. Lettuce! He’s got McCaffrey, Kittle, and maybe Aiyuk…that’s three elite weapons! Doesn’t that make him QB1 material?

Sleeper Alert: Ricky Pearsall’s Breakout Connection With Purdy

The Florida State product caught all five targets for 63 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown where he toasted Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor. Pearsall operated primarily from the slot, showing crisp route-running and strong hands in traffic. His 4.41 speed was evident on crossers and dig routes.

How Does Purdy’s ADP Compare to Other QB2 Options?

Current average draft position data shows Purdy going in the 9th round as QB12, behind riskier picks like Caleb Williams and ahead of veterans like Kirk Cousins. This represents a three-round climb from his 2023 draft position. His value becomes intriguing when compared to:

• Anthony Richardson (5th round)
• Kyler Murray (7th round)
• Geno Smith (10th round)

The 49ers’ favorable schedule (6th easiest for QBs) makes Purdy a potential steal at current ADP, especially for managers employing late-round QB strategies.

Will Kyle Shanahan’s System Continue to Elevate Purdy’s Stats?

Historical data reveals Shanahan’s quarterbacks average 4,200 passing yards and 28 TDs over full seasons when healthy. Purdy’s 2023 per-game averages extrapolate to 4,598 yards and 33 touchdowns over 17 games. The system creates:

What’s the Ideal Fantasy Draft Strategy for Purdy Enthusiasts?

Drafting Purdy requires pairing him with a high-ceiling QB like Anthony Richardson or Justin Fields to offset his conservative playstyle. Target him in:

• Superflex leagues (valuable floor)
• PPR formats (dump-off passes to McCaffrey)
• Best-ball drafts (no lineup decisions)

Avoid in standard leagues where rushing QBs dominate, and in tournaments requiring weekly boom potential.

Injury Watch: How Will Christian McCaffrey’s Calf Affect Purdy’s Value?

The star running back’s absence during preseason creates uncertainty. McCaffrey accounted for 21% of Purdy’s completions last season, serving as both safety valve and big-play threat. The 49ers’ offense operates differently without their Swiss Army knife:

No McCaffrey means more passing volume, but also more coverage on Kittle and Aiyuk. That Saints game showed Purdy can distribute, but against starters? I’m skeptical.

I think Elijah Mitchell can keep defenses honest! And if Aiyuk returns, that’s another weapon. Purdy made Darnold look good in 2021, imagine what he’ll do with actual talent!

Expert Consensus: Are Fantasy Analysts Buying the Purdy Hype?

The fantasy community remains divided. 62% of experts rank Purdy as a QB1 (top 12), while 38% have him outside the top 15. Concerns stem from:

• Lack of elite arm strength
• Possible regression in TD rate (6.9% in 2023)
• Uncertainty around Brandon Aiyuk’s contract

Optimists point to his 9.1 yards per attempt (2nd in NFL) and league-best 72.3% accuracy on intermediate throws.