Assessing The 2024 NFL Playoff Potential: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks

David

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Post on Jun 13, 2025

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Assessing the 2024 NFL Playoff Potential: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the most meticulously crafted rosters can crumble under the weight of injury. For teams harboring Super Bowl aspirations, the quality of their backup quarterback is no longer a luxury, but a crucial factor determining playoff potential. This year, the gap between starting and backup talent feels wider than ever in some organizations, raising serious questions about the viability of certain contenders should their star signal-caller go down. Let's dive into a ranking of backup quarterbacks and assess their potential impact on their team's playoff hopes in 2024.

Tier 1: The Potential Playoff Saviors

This elite group boasts quarterbacks capable of not just keeping their teams afloat but potentially leading them to victory, even in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.

• 1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's impressive late-season performance in 2022, before his injury, catapults him to the top of this list. His poise and accuracy are exceptional for a young quarterback, and the 49ers' strong supporting cast makes him a legitimate playoff threat.

• 2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven himself a capable game manager, stepping in for Dak Prescott and leading the Cowboys to wins. His experience and familiarity with the Cowboys' system make him a valuable asset. While not a dynamic playmaker, his consistency is reassuring.

• 3. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew's gunslinger mentality and improvisational skills provide a different dimension compared to other backups. While his consistency can be questioned, his ability to make big plays could keep the Colts competitive.

Tier 2: The Game Managers

These quarterbacks are reliable enough to manage games and avoid costly mistakes, but their ceiling is likely lower than Tier 1. They can keep their teams in contention but are less likely to lead a deep playoff run.

• 4. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): Bridgewater's experience and savvy make him a solid option, but his lack of elite arm talent limits his upside. He’s a steady hand, but not a game-changer.

• 5. Jacoby Brissett (Washington Commanders): A journeyman quarterback with starting experience, Brissett offers reliability and familiarity with NFL systems. He won't wow you, but he won't likely implode either.

Tier 3: The Question Marks

This tier encompasses quarterbacks whose potential impact remains largely uncertain. Their performance could significantly affect their team's playoff chances, but in a largely unpredictable manner.

• 6. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): Levis is an intriguing prospect with raw talent, but his inexperience is a major concern. His development will be crucial for the Titans' playoff hopes.

• 7. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Another young quarterback with a high ceiling but a lot to prove, Willis needs to show significant improvement to become a reliable backup.

The Impact on Playoff Odds

The quality of a backup quarterback directly correlates with a team's chances of making a deep playoff run. Teams like the 49ers and Cowboys, boasting top-tier backups, can feel far more confident navigating potential injuries at the quarterback position. Conversely, teams with less dependable backups face a significantly steeper climb to the playoffs. This is a crucial element often overlooked in pre-season analysis, yet one that could be the difference between a Super Bowl appearance and an early exit.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 NFL season promises thrilling matchups, but the hidden variable of backup quarterback performance could play a pivotal role in deciding which teams rise to the top. Keep an eye on these quarterbacks; their performances could drastically alter the playoff landscape. What do you think? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!