Assessing The 2024 NFL Playoff Hopefuls: Ranking Backup Quarterback Talent

David

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Post on Jun 01, 2025

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Assessing the 2024 NFL Playoff Hopefuls: Ranking Backup Quarterback Talent

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the most meticulously crafted rosters can falter with a single injury. 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 dive into an assessment of the backup quarterback talent among the 2024 NFL playoff hopefuls, ranking them from best to… well, let's just say "needs improvement."

The Elite Tier: Contingency Plans You Can Trust

Several teams boast backup quarterbacks who could realistically step in and maintain a high level of play. These aren't just game managers; these are players capable of carrying a team to victory.

• 1. The Philadelphia Eagles (Gardner Minshew): Minshew possesses starting experience and a proven ability to extend drives. His arm talent and improvisational skills make him a valuable asset should Jalen Hurts suffer an injury. The Eagles' offensive system is also quarterback-friendly, further bolstering Minshew's potential for success.

• 2. The Kansas City Chiefs (Blake Bell/Shane Buechele): While not a traditional "backup QB" in the same vein as Minshew, the Chiefs have a strong system and a capable player in Shane Buechele ready to step up. Their offensive scheme mitigates the need for a superstar backup, relying instead on system mastery and a strong running game. Blake Bell's tight end/QB versatility adds a unique wrinkle.

• 3. The Buffalo Bills (Kyle Allen): Allen has shown flashes of starting potential in his career. His experience within the league, even if not consistently as a starter, gives him an edge over many other backups. His familiarity with NFL defenses is a significant asset for Buffalo.

The Solid Tier: Competent, but with Limitations

These teams have backups who can likely keep them afloat for a game or two, but a prolonged absence of their starter would significantly impact their playoff chances.

• 4. The Cincinnati Bengals (Jake Browning): Browning is a capable game manager, but his ceiling is lower than the quarterbacks in the Elite Tier. The Bengals’ offensive firepower can offset some of his limitations, but consistent high-level performance isn’t guaranteed.

• 5. The Dallas Cowboys (Cooper Rush): Rush has proven he can win games in the NFL, offering the Cowboys a level of comfort. However, he's more of a game manager than a dynamic playmaker.

The Questionable Tier: Proceed with Caution

These teams' backup quarterback situations present significant cause for concern. An injury to the starter could dramatically alter their playoff hopes.

• 6. The San Francisco 49ers (Brock Purdy/Trey Lance): The 49ers’ situation is unique and complicated. While Brock Purdy is technically the backup, his injury history is a major factor. Trey Lance's potential remains untapped, making this a high-risk, high-reward situation. Their reliance on the running game could partially mitigate issues, but consistent passing is a concern.

• 7. The Baltimore Ravens (Anthony Brown): Brown lacks significant experience, making him a high-risk option should Lamar Jackson go down.

Conclusion: Backup QB Depth Impacts Playoff Hopes

The quality of a team's backup quarterback is often overlooked until it's too late. The 2024 NFL season will likely showcase the importance of having a reliable contingency plan at the most crucial position on the field. Teams like the Eagles and Chiefs have positioned themselves well, while others face a much steeper climb should their starting quarterback suffer an injury. This ranking provides a snapshot of the current landscape, and the situation could certainly evolve as the season progresses. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds!

Keywords: NFL Playoffs 2024, Backup Quarterbacks, NFL, Football, Ranking, NFL Injuries, Gardner Minshew, Blake Bell, Shane Buechele, Kyle Allen, Jake Browning, Cooper Rush, Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, Anthony Brown, Playoff Hopefuls, NFL Season.