Who Should I Start? Brock Purdy or Drake Maye

Saturday, December 27, 3:55 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has turned in four top-12 finishes in five games since returning from a six-week absence due to turf toe. Purdy stepped things up since the 49ers' Week 14 bye, putting up 295 passing yards in consecutive games and a total of eight touchdowns. Purdy has a great chance of keeping his hot streak alive in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and are tied with two other teams for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed. Tight end George Kittle (ankle) will be a game-time decision, but deep threat Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is trending towards playing. Purdy projects as a QB1 given his recent track record and favorable matchup, making him a worthy starter in the fantasy championship round.

Sunday, December 28, 4:50 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 19 of his 21 pass attempts for 256 passing yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New York Jets. He also rushed for 22 yards and took just one sack. The former No. 3 pick arguably had the best game of his young career. This was his first outing with at least four passing touchdowns, and he also became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 90% of his passes while throwing for at least 250 yards and five touchdowns. Fascinatingly, Maye put together this performance despite being pulled from the game in the middle of the third quarter. In case there was any doubt, Maye reminded fantasy managers that he is a high-end QB1 and should be started in all leagues. That remains true heading into Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins.