The San Francisco 49ers came into this season with high expectations, as they have one of the premier defenses in the league and an offense loaded with high-end talent. Their offense, which features Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Bradon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and quarterback Brock Purdy, has been on full display this season, especially when playing against the best teams in the NFC. After suffering an elbow injury in the NFC Championship game last season, Brock Purdy was determined to return to the winning ways that helped him keep the 49ers’ starting job last season when the team’s quarterback room was decimated with injuries.
Making a case for MVP
Like every MVP candidate, there is a case for and against why they should win the award. While many will say Purdy looks good thanks to his supporting cast that does all the work for him, and Purdy doesn’t throw as nearly as much as other candidates, the numbers support his case.
On the season Purdy is among the league leaders as he has 3185 yards (7th), 23 Touchdown passes (4th), six interceptions, and a 116.1 QB rating (1st).
Purdy currently leads the NFL in yards per attempt along with completion percentage as each game he shows off his accuracy and elite decision-making that has allowed him to be successful every week.
Of the ten quarterbacks who have thrown at least 20 touchdowns, Purdy has the second-fewest interceptions. Purdy also leads the NFL in passer rating, throws that result in a first down, and is tied for the most passes of 40+ yards.
One stat that pops out the most is the fact Purdy also leads the NFL in EPA per play at .38. Some may wonder why this stat is important, but if you look through past MVP winners, the leader in EPA has been the winner each year. Compared to other quarterbacks in the MVP hunt, Dak Prescott is second at .26.
On top of leading all these categories, Purdy has shined when the spotlight has been the brightest with a 42-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 and, most recently, a 42-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday. Purdy now has the 49ers sitting at 9-3, trailing the 10-2 Eagles for the top spot in the NFC.
Following Sunday’s game, Purdy is now the betting favorite as his odds have jumped to +300 passing Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.
Top Ten MVP Odds
Brock Purdy +300
Jalen Hurts +350
Dak Prescott +350
Tua Tagovailoa +700
Lamar Jackson +900
Patrick Mahomes +900
Tyreek Hill +1600
Christian McCaffrey +1600
Josh Allen +3500
Trevor Lawrence +3500
