Purdy fell from QB6 in 2023 to QB13 last season, thanks to predictable regression and injuries to key players. Purdy's YPA dropped from an obviously unsustainable 9.6, the second-highest mark this century, to a still-impressive 8.5, third in the league. Despite posting a career-high 75.8 on-target percentage (8th), his completion percentage dipped slightly to 65.9 (17th). He also lost yardage because the 49ers' average yards after catch went from a league-high 6.5 in 2023 to 5.3 last year. In the red zone, Purdy regressed from a league-leading 29.7 TD percentage to a below-average 22.7 percent (23rd), costing him about five touchdowns. Injuries to Christian McCaffrey (13 missed games) and Brandon Aiyuk (10) perhaps made the backslide inevitable. The good news is that Purdy had career highs in rushing yards (323, 11th among QBs) and touchdowns (five, 6th). Continued rushing production and positive regression in the red zone would make a big impact for 2025. As will the return of McCaffrey, although Aiyuk's rehab from ACL/MCL surgery may bleed into the upcoming season. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel this offseason, in part because WR Jauan Jennings broke out last year. He'll be the No. 1 WR if Aiyuk misses time, followed by 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, who finished his rookie year strong. And after consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, TE George Kittle is back with a four-year extension. A bounce-back into the Top 10 of fantasy QBs looks reasonable for Purdy.
