Assessing The 2024 NFL Playoff Chances: A Backup Quarterback Power Ranking

David

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Post on Sep 18, 2025

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Assessing the 2024 NFL Playoff Chances: A Backup Quarterback Power Ranking

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the most meticulously crafted rosters can crumble under the weight of injuries. This year, more than ever, the quality of a team's backup quarterback could be the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. With that in mind, let's delve into a power ranking of backup quarterbacks and how their capabilities impact their team's 2024 playoff aspirations.

The Elite Tier: Playoff Hope Remains Strong

These teams boast backups who could seamlessly step in and maintain, if not improve, their team's performance. A significant injury to the starter wouldn't derail their season.

• 1. Philadelphia Eagles (Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota): Mariota's experience and proven ability make him a top-tier backup. He's a known commodity with a strong arm and the ability to manage a game. The Eagles' playoff chances remain exceptionally high even with a Hurts injury.
• 2. Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert): While not flashy, Gabbert provides a reliable veteran presence. His understanding of Andy Reid's system is invaluable, ensuring a smooth transition if needed. The Chiefs' Super Bowl aspirations aren't significantly impacted by Mahomes' health.
• 3. Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow, Jake Browning): Browning, while less experienced than the top two, showed flashes of potential in preseason. The Bengals' success hinges heavily on Burrow's health, but Browning provides a better safety net than many other teams possess.

The Middle Tier: Cause for Concern, But Not Catastrophic

These teams have backups who could potentially keep them afloat for a few games, but a prolonged absence of their starter would severely jeopardize their playoff hopes.

• 4. Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen, Kyle Allen): Kyle Allen has experience, but his performance hasn't been consistently stellar. A lengthy Allen injury could significantly hamper Buffalo's playoff run.
• 5. Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush): Rush has proven he can win games, but he's not a long-term solution. The Cowboys' playoff hopes are directly tied to Prescott's health.
• 6. San Francisco 49ers (Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold/Trey Lance): The 49ers' situation is complicated. Purdy's health is a major question mark, and the effectiveness of Darnold and Lance remains uncertain. Their playoff hopes are highly volatile.

The Bottom Tier: Playoff Dreams Hanging by a Thread

For these teams, a starting quarterback injury would likely spell the end of their playoff hopes. Their backup quarterbacks present a significant risk.

• 7. Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson, Anthony Brown): Brown's inexperience is a major concern. A Jackson injury would dramatically decrease the Ravens' chances.
• 8. Miami Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa, Skylar Thompson): Thompson's limited experience makes him a high-risk backup. The Dolphins' playoff hopes are intrinsically linked to Tua's health.
• 9. New York Jets (Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson): This is a high-stakes situation. Wilson's past performance is underwhelming, casting a significant shadow on the Jets' playoff potential if Rodgers gets injured.

Conclusion: The Backup's Impact is Undeniable

The 2024 NFL season will undoubtedly highlight the crucial role backup quarterbacks play. While the starting quarterback is the primary driver of success, the quality of the backup significantly influences a team's playoff chances and overall resilience. Teams with strong backups can weather the storm, while those with shaky understudies face a far more precarious path to the postseason. Stay tuned to see how these power rankings play out as the season unfolds! What are your predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.