Niners QB Brock Purdy didn't play particularly well in Sunday's loss to the Falcons. Despite season highs in both pass attempts and completions, he threw for a mere 288 yards and 1 TD with 2 INTs. Purdy set season lows in adjusted yards per attempt (5.5) and passer rating (75.8).
Two Good INTs, One We Can Blame on the QB
Both of Purdy's picks in Atlanta came on good plays by the defenders, but you can fault the QB for the first one.
Purdy rolled right on this second-and-long late in the third quarter. You can see who he was trying to target down the sideline, but it was a bad decision that had little chance of success. S Jessie Bates III made the athletic takeaway:
This interception by Jessie Bates III is UNREAL. SFvsATL on FOX/FOX One Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/R4UDkkfGcb
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2026
The second needs to give credit to rookie LB Kendal Daniels, who hid his intentions by faking a rush before leaking back into coverage behind the line.
Purdy on this INT: "I threw the ball and he came from the backside, tipped it up to himself. Didn't see him ... So, credit to him. He made a good play. In that moment, I'd like to say, 'Yeah, I need to see him,' but at the same time, that's pretty tough." https://t.co/TASXhCyXKr
— Harrison Rich (@harrisonrich_) October 25, 2026
Purdy was otherwise OK, especially when you consider that his starting WRs were Jordan Watkins and the ghost of Brandin Cooks.
Jacob Cowing ran third at the position, followed by Christian Kirk's first action since signing this offseason.
TE George Kittle led the team in targets (10), catches (8), and yards (88). RB Christian McCaffrey was the only other Niner to catch more than three balls, and he lost some time to a thigh injury.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Numbers Dip But Don't Crater
Purdy has only seen one drop by his receivers among the past five games, according to Pro Football Focus. But it's impossible to ignore injuries that have removed Deebo Samuel and Mike Evans from a lineup that lost Ricky Pearsall over the summer and has seen others come in and out.
Purdy has also faced increased pressure over the past four games. His 25.6% pressure rate ranked lowest among 36 qualifying QBs over the first three weeks.
That's up to 32.6% (25th) over the past four weeks. The past three games have accounted for all seven of the sacks Purdy has taken this season. And you can see the effects in his fantasy output.
Here are his weekly finishes:
- QB11
- QB5
- QB1
- QB9
- QB16
- QB11
- QB18 (pending the Monday night game)
It's worth noting that Atlanta has rated slightly negative as a QB matchup, ranking 17th in our adjusted fantasy points allowed to the position.
Purdy and the 49ers now get a Week 8 bye. We'll see exactly who's healthy for upside matchups with the Raiders and Cowboys on the other side.
Expect to find Purdy among our top 12 QBs for Week 9 regardless, though.
Tougher spots against the Vikings and Seahawks reside in weeks 11 and 12. Consider trying to stash streaming options ahead of those contests.
