2024 NFL Playoffs: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks Capable Of Winning

David

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Post on May 30, 2025

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2024 NFL Playoffs: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks Capable of Winning

The NFL playoffs are a brutal crucible. One injury, one unexpected slump from a star quarterback, and a team's Super Bowl hopes can evaporate faster than a Hail Mary. This year, more than ever, the quality of backup quarterbacks could be a deciding factor in the postseason race. With the 2024 playoffs looming, let's rank the backup QBs most likely to step up and deliver when called upon. This isn't about potential, it's about proven ability and readiness to lead a playoff-caliber team to victory.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors: experience in meaningful games, recent performance, skillset, and the overall strength of the supporting cast around them. We're focusing on backups who realistically could see significant playing time during the playoffs, not just emergency options.

Tier 1: The Elite Few

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, culminating in a playoff run before injury, catapults him to the top. His poise, accuracy, and ability to manage the 49ers' complex offense are undeniable assets. He’s proven he can win big games. The question is his recovery from injury.

2. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew has consistently shown a knack for making plays, even in limited opportunities. His experience and improvisational skills make him a formidable option should the Colts' starting quarterback falter. He's a proven game manager with a bit of a gunslinger mentality.

Tier 2: Solid Contenders

3. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has a history of winning games for the Cowboys in relief of Dak Prescott. While not a flashy player, he understands the system and possesses the experience to steer the ship in a pinch. His reliability is a huge plus.

4. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): Bridgewater's extensive experience as a starter, albeit with mixed results, gives him an edge. While his mobility has diminished, his game management skills and veteran presence would be valuable assets in a playoff setting. He's a calming influence under pressure.

Tier 3: Wildcards with Potential

5. Jacoby Brissett (Washington Commanders): Brissett’s experience as a starter could prove valuable if called upon in a crucial moment. His consistency and ability to avoid turnovers make him a dependable backup option.

6. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love is the great unknown. He’s got the talent but limited experience. While there's potential for a breakout performance, his lack of extensive game-time action keeps him lower on this list.

Factors Beyond the Player:

It's crucial to remember that a backup quarterback's success is heavily influenced by the surrounding talent. A strong offensive line, a reliable running game, and a capable receiving corps are all essential ingredients for a successful playoff run, even with a backup quarterback at the helm.

Conclusion:

The 2024 NFL Playoffs will likely hinge on the performance of many factors. The quality of backup quarterbacks, however, will undoubtedly play a significant role. While predicting the future is impossible, this ranking offers a reasonable assessment of the backups best equipped to handle the pressure and deliver in the spotlight. Teams with strong backups will undoubtedly have a significant advantage in the race to the Super Bowl. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds! What are your thoughts on this ranking? Let us know in the comments below!