Assessing The Backup QBs: Who Has The Best Chance At A 2024 Playoff Run?

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 14, 2025

4.9

Share

Assessing the Backup QBs: Who Has the Best Chance at a 2024 Playoff Run?

The NFL is a league of attrition, and no position highlights that more brutally than quarterback. One injury can derail even the most promising season. With training camps underway, the focus isn't just on the star quarterbacks, but on the men waiting in the wings. This year, the quality of backup quarterbacks varies wildly, leaving some teams feeling confident and others facing a potentially disastrous season if their starter goes down. So, who among the backup QBs has the best shot at leading their team to a 2024 playoff berth should opportunity knock?

The Top Tier: Proven Commodities

Several teams boast backups with significant starting experience. These are the quarterbacks who offer the most reassurance to their franchises.

• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season heroics in 2022 catapulted him into the national spotlight. While his injury history raises concerns, his undeniable talent and familiarity with the 49ers' system make him a strong contender for this list. If Trey Lance or Sam Darnold falters, Purdy’s potential to lead the 49ers deep into the playoffs is undeniable.

• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush proved his mettle filling in for Dak Prescott in previous seasons, demonstrating a calm demeanor and a knack for game management. While he's not a high-ceiling passer, his reliability makes him a valuable asset for the Cowboys. His experience within the Cowboys' offensive system gives Dallas a much higher floor than many other teams.

• Teddy Bridgewater (New Orleans Saints): A seasoned veteran, Bridgewater has extensive starting experience across multiple NFL teams. His familiarity with different offensive schemes and his ability to manage a game effectively make him a solid safety net for the Saints. Should something happen to Derek Carr, New Orleans remains in the playoff conversation.

The Middle Ground: Potential Dark Horses

This group possesses talent but lacks the same proven track record as the top tier. Their potential to deliver a playoff run hinges on several factors, including offensive line performance and team overall health.

• Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew has shown flashes of brilliance in limited opportunities. His arm talent and willingness to extend plays could be a valuable asset for the Colts, particularly if Anthony Richardson experiences growing pains. However, his consistency needs further proving before he could be considered a guaranteed playoff-caliber starter.

• Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): Levis is a high-upside rookie with significant potential but also significant questions regarding his readiness for prime time. His success in leading the Titans to a playoff run would depend on his rapid development and the support he receives from the coaching staff and the rest of the team. It's a long shot, but not entirely impossible.

The Long Shot: High Risk, High Reward?

Several other backups exist, but their chances of leading a team to a playoff run are considerably slimmer. Their success relies heavily on unforeseen circumstances and a significant improvement in their gameplay. These quarterbacks more likely serve as emergency options rather than legitimate playoff contenders.

The Bottom Line:

While predicting the future in the NFL is an exercise in futility, Brock Purdy stands out as the most likely backup quarterback to lead his team to a deep playoff run in 2024. However, the unpredictable nature of the league means any of these quarterbacks could unexpectedly seize the moment and make a name for themselves. The upcoming season promises exciting possibilities and nail-biting moments for fans and analysts alike. Stay tuned to see how these backup quarterbacks perform when called upon!

Keywords: Backup Quarterbacks, NFL, 2024 Playoffs, Brock Purdy, Cooper Rush, Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, Will Levis, NFL News, Football, NFL Predictions