Who Should I Start? Brock Purdy or Cameron Ward

Thursday, August 14, 5:52 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he expects to play quarterback Brock Purdy and some of the other starters in the team's second preseason contest this Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Purdy did not play in the preseason opener last Saturday against the Denver Broncos, so this will be his preseason debut this year, although he probably won't play more than a couple offensive series. The 25-year-old still has low-end QB1 potential with Shanahan running the offense and running back Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, but it's also concerning that San Fran's receiving corps is so beat up right now -- Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is on the PUP list and Jauan Jenninngs (calf), Jacob Cowing (hamstring) and rookie Jordan Watkins (ankle) are all hurt. Purdy's rushing ability gives him a higher floor for fantasy, even if the Niners' offense doesn't fully bounce back.

Wednesday, August 13, 12:11 PM

Atlanta Falcons reporter Joe Patrick of 929 The Game writes that Tennessee Titans rookie first-round quarterback Cameron Ward looked much better in joint practice with the Falcons on Wednesday and was taking more of what was available underneath while still connecting on some deep shots. Unexpectedly, the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft has been up and down during training camp and in the preseason opener last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old Miami product went 5-for-8 for 67 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Bucs in the two drives that he played over the weekend. Most importantly, Ward continues to show a strong connection with receiver Calvin Ridley, who will no doubt be his favorite target in 2025. Ward is a much better long-term gamble in dynasty leagues than he will be in redraft formats for fantasy football.