What happened: Armstead tabbed Purdy as the league's best quarterback at the three-week mark. Purdy closed Week 3 with 297 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-30 win, the efficient start fueling early MVP discussion.
Why it matters: Early MVP framing carries weight for a seventh-round 2022 selection, 262nd overall out of Iowa State. Mahomes currently leads quarterbacks with a 91.4 PFF offensive grade, with Purdy next at 89.8, setting an early two-man pace.
By the numbers: Week 3: 297 yards, 4 TDs in 36-30 win (2026-09-29). PFF grades (2026-09-29): Mahomes 91.4, Purdy 89.8. Deep big-time throw rate (2026-09-30): Mahomes 62.5%, Purdy 57.1%. Through Week 2: Purdy led NFL at 80.4% completions. 2025 season with 49ers: 197 of 284 for 2,167 yards, 20 TDs, 10 INTs in 9 games.
What to watch: Week 4 offers the next check on efficiency and deep passing against Mahomes and Young. Continued clean starts would keep Purdy in the early MVP conversation.