New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith threw an NFL-leading 17 interceptions in 2025 and is the betting favorite to lead the league again in 2026. Perhaps surprisingly, Purdy is second on the list. He is followed by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Purdy threw 10 interceptions last season. However, he played in just nine games after missing time with a turf toe injury. Over a 17-game season, that pace would have amounted to nearly 19 interceptions—two more than Smith's league-leading total.
While Purdy was instrumental in the 49ers' playoff push down the stretch, he threw an interception in each of his final three regular-season games last season, then added three more across the team's two playoff games. Still, he earned a passer rating of 100.5 or higher for the third time in his four NFL seasons.
Injuries may have played a role in Purdy's miscues, however. Now that the 49ers quarterback has had significant time to recover, there is little reason to believe he won't return to his usual high level of play in 2026.
Purdy's career-high for interceptions came in 2024, when he threw 12 in 15 games. His interception rate—interceptions per pass attempt—was 2.6% or lower in each of his first three seasons before jumping to 3.5% in 2025.
Below are the betting favorites to lead the NFL in interceptions in 2026, according to Covers:
- Geno Smith +950
- Brock Purdy +1000
- Trevor Lawrence +1100
- Baker Mayfield +1400
- CJ Stroud +1400
- Josh Allen +1500
- Malik Willis +1500
- Dak Prescott +1600
- Tyler Shough +1800
- Sam Darnold +2000
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