Brock Purdy Week 1 Outlook - 49ers at Steelers

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Sun, Sep 10th 2023, 12:05pm EDT

It's hard to tell what to make of Purdy's fantasy outlook for 2023. He was the steady hand the 49ers needed at quarterback last season after Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance went down with injuries, throwing two or more TD passes in each of the Niners' last six regular-season games. But Purdy also benefited from a pillowy-soft schedule. He didn't face a defense that ranked better than 13th in DVOA against the pass after taking over at QB. Then he ran into a good Cowboys defense in the playoffs and had 214 passing yards and zero touchdowns. Statistically, the Pittsburgh defense was average vs. the pass last year, but it got better as the season went on, particularly after edge rusher extraordinaire T.J. Watt returned from an injury at midseason. One other concern for Purdy is that TE George Kittle, who's exceptional as both a pass catcher and blocker, is dealing with a groin injury that has him questionable for Week 1. Fade Purdy this week in fantasy.