Purdy’s Struggles, Jackson’s Brilliance: Fantasy Impact from Ravens vs. 49ers Clash
Brock Purdy threw four interceptions as the Ravens earned an easy win over the 49ers on Christmas Eve. Purdy was a top six fantasy QB in five of the previous six weeks before Monday’s disaster. Purdy is still the fifth fantasy quarterback of the year with an ADP of 125, but he picked a bad time for his worst game of the season. Purdy averaged 11.6 YPA at home but missed a hit for the first time on the year and finished in the 14th percentile above expectations (-10).
Two of Purdy’s interceptions were dropped and his hand hit another, but there is no excuse for his poor play. Baltimore’s dominant defense also deserves a lot of credit, as coordinator Mike Macdonald became the head coaching candidate.
Purdy’s ongoing season could historically win the MVP award, but his odds dropped dramatically after an ugly fourth-round pick at best. Purdy finished the fourth quarter with another pin (before flirting with the fifth pick thanks to a no-look pass) but is expected to be ready for Week 17.
Lamar Jackson had an impressive performance and played perfectly. scoring two touchdowns and leading Baltimore in rushing. Jackson improved to 20-1 against the NFC in his career and is now 12-1-1 against the division as an underdog (10 straight).
He was a top-10 fantasy QB this week against a stout San Francisco defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points. Jackson was amazing at times Monday night during a potential Super Bowl preview, ruining the Del Don family’s Christmas.
Zay Flowers had a career-high 13 carries and his third touchdown in his last four games. The rookie won the end zone and continues to benefit from the absence of Mark Andrews. Flowers was a top 15 fantasy WR this week, while Gus Edwards was a top 20 RB thanks to his goal line.
Isaiah Likely only saw four targets, but had another big game and continues to be a must TE. Christian McCaffrey completed just 14 passes but broke 100 yards for the fourth time in five games. He tied his season high with 10 catches, albeit with only 28 receiving yards.
CMC scored his NFL record 21st touchdown of the season. He was the No. 2 fantasy RB this week, despite losing his carry ability thanks to lopsided points and facing a Ravens defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points. McCaffrey has nearly 100 more fantasy points than the second-best RB in 2023 and has continued to help his manager despite San Francisco’s offense hitting its lowest point this year.
Deebo Samuel has not entered the end zone after eight touchdowns in his last four games. He finished with a season-high 12 goals, but Purdy’s struggles hurt Samuel’s fantasy leaders in a crucial week. Brandon Aiyuk had 113 yards on just seven carries as he was able to overcome Purdy’s fumble.
Aiyuk has seen just two red-zone targets since Week 2, but is on pace for 1,363 yards despite not missing a game this season. George Kittle had 126 yards and finished as the top fantasy team this week, even though his quarterback had five carries. The 30-year-old now leads all tight ends in yards and is fourth in fantasy points this season.
What’s next for 49ers and Ravens?
The 49ers have a short week of travel, but they get a very favorable matchup in Washington during the fantasy championships.
McCaffrey’s historic season should continue with a Commander defense that allowed Breece Hall to score 15 more fantasy points than the second-best RB this week; The Jets scored 30 points in the week following their shutout against Washington.
The Commanders suffered an NFL-high 33 turnovers and allowed quarterbacks and wide receivers in fantasy points this season. Washington’s pressure rating is the lowest in the league since the Chase Young and Montez Sweat trades, and an angry 49ers team coming off an embarrassing overtime loss posted a team-high 31 points in Week 17. Purdy should rebound. in a big way (and keep a top five QB), while CMC, Samuel, Aiyuki and Kittle should explode during fantasy games.
Meanwhile, the Ravens won’t be able to celebrate for too long, as Baltimore gets a battle for the AFC’s top seed against Miami in Week 17. The Dolphins’ defense has been dominant since Jalen Ramsey returned in Week 8, and the Ravens showed why their D could to be the best in the league on Monday night. However, both offenses are pretty good, and the solid total (47 points) suggests that fantasy leaders can start Jackson, Flowers, Likely and Edwards as usual.
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