49ers star identified as fantasy football sleeper for 2026

Last season, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy missed significant time due to a toe injury that he suffered in Week 1 which forced former first-round pick Mac Jones to take over as the team's starter.

In the final seven games of the regular season after he returned, Purdy completed 70.6% of his passes for 1,581 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions while adding another 117 yards and three scores on the ground.

Now, heading into 2026 with Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling joining the wide receiver room, Purdy is already getting called a sleeper for the upcoming fantasy football season.

"One day, people will stop doubting Brock Purdy as a top 12 Fantasy QB," CBS Sports' Heath Cummings wrote this week. "Today is not that day, as I am the only one at CBS with Purdy ranked as a top 12 option. I am not sure what is not to like. Since Purdy came into the NFL in 2022, there have been 30 QBs to throw at least 1,000 passes. Purdy's 8.6 yards per pass attempt leads the field by a half-yard. His 6.2% pass touchdown rate is second only to Lamar Jackson. He's also added 19.6 rushing yards per game over the past two seasons. He's been over 20 FPPG in three straight seasons, including last year when he averaged 23.9.

"The team added Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and De'Zhaun Stribling in the offseason, adding depth at a position they desperately needed it. Unless disaster strikes in San Francisco, I think it is more likely that Purdy is a top six QB than it is that he falls outside of the top 12."

Purdy averaged 21.3 fantasy points per game over the final seven weeks of the 2025 season, which put him in the top 10 during that stretch. Now, with more weapons, things should be even easier for Purdy, despite possibly missing time due to his torn Achilles.