Brock Purdy: Fantasy Football’s Underrated Gem for 2025?
While Brock Purdy is steadily earning his stripes on the real NFL gridiron, a closer look at fantasy football circles reveals he’s still flying under the radar, according to prominent industry expert Matthew Berry. In a recent conversation with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco on “49ers Talk,” Berry highlighted why the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback presents a compelling case for savvy fantasy managers preparing for the 2025 season, especially for those seeking high-value players beyond the usual suspects.
The Elite Efficiency Argument
Berry posits that Purdy is “perennially underrated” in fantasy football. The primary reason often cited for this undervaluation is his lack of rushing volume, a key differentiator for many top-tier fantasy quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Jayden Daniels. These mobile signal-callers consistently rack up points with their legs, a dimension Purdy hasn’t historically leaned into heavily.
Furthermore, the 49ers’ formidable defense often prevents Purdy from being thrust into high-scoring shootouts. This contrasts with quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, who, despite also being a pocket passer, might be forced to air it out significantly more due to defensive vulnerabilities on his own team. For fantasy managers, this means Purdy’s statistical ceiling can sometimes appear capped by San Francisco’s balanced offensive attack and defensive prowess.
However, Berry emphasizes that “volume is key in fantasy football,” and despite the perceived limitations, Purdy has consistently delivered elite efficiency. In his two full seasons as a starter, Purdy has maintained a top-10 ranking in fantasy football on a points-per-game basis. He boasts impressive metrics, leading all quarterbacks in yards per attempt and ranking second in fantasy points per pass attempt during that span. Simply put, when Purdy throws, he maximizes fantasy production.
Rushing Upside and the McCaffrey Factor
A notable shift in Purdy’s game was his increased rushing production in 2024, where he recorded five touchdowns on the ground, a significant uptick from his first two seasons. This development added a new layer to his fantasy appeal. The question now becomes how the return of star running back Christian McCaffrey will impact Purdy’s own rushing opportunities.
“It was nice to see him starting to use his legs a little bit as part of his game,” Berry noted. “Now, no McCaffrey, so does that come down a little bit because they do have CMC this year? We’ll see.” This introduces a crucial variable for fantasy managers: will McCaffrey’s presence limit Purdy’s designed or opportunistic runs, or will the duo form a potent dual-threat attack that benefits both?
Despite these considerations, Berry remains optimistic, labeling Purdy as a player who “always manages to get the ball in the right place.” He also credits head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive schemes for creating favorable matchups and opportunities for Purdy. Berry currently ranks Purdy as QB11 for the upcoming fantasy season, positioning him as a solid starter in typical 12-team leagues.
Purdy’s 2024 season stats—3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 323 rushing yards, and 5 rushing touchdowns—provide a strong foundation. Should he build upon these numbers, the 49ers and the fantasy managers who invest in him could find themselves in a very favorable position during the 2025 NFL campaign.
Looking ahead, the debate around Purdy’s fantasy value will likely continue. His efficiency is undeniable, but the extent to which his rushing production evolves, and how his production is affected by the dominant presence of Christian McCaffrey and San Francisco’s overall team strength, will be key factors for fantasy prognosticators and managers alike. The opportunity to snag a quarterback with top-10 potential points-per-game at a lower draft cost than his highly mobile counterparts presents a compelling strategy for the upcoming season.
What are your predictions for Brock Purdy’s fantasy output in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
