2024 NFL Playoff Contenders: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks' Super Bowl Chances

David

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Post on May 13, 2025

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2024 NFL Playoff Contenders: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks' Super Bowl Chances

The NFL season is upon us, and while the starting quarterbacks garner most of the attention, the quality of a team's backup can often be the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit. This year, several teams boast surprisingly strong backup QBs, raising the intriguing question: which backup has the best chance to lead their team to a Super Bowl victory should the starter go down? Let's rank the top contenders based on a combination of skill, experience, and team context.

Methodology: Our ranking considers several factors, including the backup's past performance (if any significant playing time exists), their fit within the team's offensive scheme, and the overall strength of the team's roster. It's crucial to remember that this is a speculative exercise; unforeseen injuries and unexpected performances will undoubtedly impact the outcome.

Tier 1: Serious Super Bowl Contenders (If Needed)

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's remarkable late-season performance in 2022 catapults him to the top spot. While his injury history is a concern, his poise, accuracy, and understanding of Kyle Shanahan's offensive system give the 49ers a significant advantage should Trey Lance or Sam Darnold falter. The 49ers' strong roster further bolsters Purdy's Super Bowl chances.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven himself a capable game manager, showing he can win games in the NFL. While not a flashy player, his consistency and familiarity with the Cowboys' system make him a reliable option. The Cowboys' overall talent gives Rush a realistic path to a deep playoff run.

Tier 2: Playoff Potential, But Super Bowl is a Long Shot

3. Josh Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals): Dobbs' mobility and experience provide a different dimension compared to Kyler Murray. However, the Cardinals' overall roster is a significant hurdle, making a Super Bowl run highly unlikely, even with Dobbs at the helm. His performance will be crucial in determining Arizona's direction for the season.

4. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): A veteran with a proven track record, Bridgewater provides a steady hand. However, the Dolphins' success hinges on Tua Tagovailoa's health. Should Bridgewater need to take over, the team's offensive firepower could still support a playoff run, though a Super Bowl win remains a long shot.

Tier 3: Emergency Options – Playoff Run Unlikely

5. Several teams fall into this category, possessing backups who are more likely to prevent a complete collapse than lead a Super Bowl charge. These include players like Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts), Jacoby Brissett (Washington Commanders), and others. Their role is primarily to provide stability in a worst-case scenario, not lead a championship charge.

Factors Beyond the Backup Quarterbacks

The success of any backup heavily depends on several factors beyond their individual skills:

• Offensive Line: A strong offensive line protects the quarterback and allows for consistent execution of the offense.
• Running Game: A potent running game can alleviate pressure on the backup quarterback, providing time to adjust and develop.
• Defensive Performance: A dominant defense can keep games close, even with a less-experienced quarterback.

Conclusion:

While predicting the future in the NFL is a fool's errand, analyzing the backup quarterback situation provides valuable insights into a team’s potential resilience. Brock Purdy and Cooper Rush stand out as the most likely candidates to lead their teams to a Super Bowl should their starters get injured. However, remember that the unpredictable nature of the NFL means anything is possible. Keep an eye on these backups and their teams throughout the season; their performance could drastically alter the playoff landscape.

Call to Action: Who do you think has the best chance of leading their team to a Super Bowl win from the backup ranks? Share your predictions in the comments below!