This season, the Detroit Lions have struggled to keep their mobile quarterbacks in check. Despite not being regarded as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks, Brock Purdy of San Francisco has proven throughout his career that he can make plays with his legs. Most famously, he had five carries for 48 yards in the NFC Championship game against the Lions last year. The Lions will therefore need to figure out how to keep Purdy in the pocket. But this season, he has ran for 468 yards and seven touchdowns.
PlayiLottery head writer Drew Ellis has Purdy surpassing his anticipated total because to the Lions’ historical troubles against stumbling quarterbacks. The current value is 18.5 (-110) according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
It’s difficult to predict what the Detroit Lions will do today. “The Lions might not be looking to be too risky or aggressive on Monday because this game doesn’t have a big impact on the No. 1 seed and everything is on the line against Minnesota on Sunday,” Ellis said. In addition to struggling with injuries and missing out on a postseason run, San Francisco might not be too motivated. The 49ers quarterback is still vying for a large new contract, though. In the NFC Championship, Purdy’s legs were crucial to San Francisco’s victory over Detroit.
With a season-high 56 yards on eight carries against the Cowboys earlier in the season, Purdy has over 18.5 yards in rushing seven times this season. The 49ers will have to rely on Isaac Guerendo as the lead back in Monday’s game since they will be without their best running backs, Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason. In addition to scrambles for Purdy, this might enable head coach Kyle Shanahan to call for some planned runs.
Josh Allen’s legs contributed to the Bills’ victory over Detroit a few weeks ago, Ellis added. “A mobile quarterback still causes a lot of problems for the defence, especially with the Lions lacking at LB. Regardless of the game’s final result, I believe Purdy will undoubtedly succeed on the pitch.”