Assessing The Bench: Ranking Backup QBs With Playoff Potential In 2024

3 min read Post on Jun 06, 2025

Assessing the Bench: Ranking Backup QBs with Playoff Potential in 2024

The NFL playoffs are a brutal crucible. One injury to a starting quarterback can shatter a team's Super Bowl aspirations. That's why the quality of a backup QB is paramount. This year, several teams boast backup quarterbacks with legitimate playoff potential. But which ones are truly ready to step up when called upon? Let's dive into a ranking of the top backup QBs entering the 2024 season, considering their experience, recent performance, and overall potential to lead a playoff push.

The Top Tier: Proven Commodities

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's unexpected late-season success in 2022 catapults him to the top of this list. While his injury history is a concern, his poise and arm talent are undeniable. His ability to run the 49ers' complex offense smoothly is a significant asset. The Niners' strong roster mitigates the risk associated with relying on a backup.

2. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins - potentially): Tagovailoa's injury concerns make his placement complex. If he remains healthy and performs at a high level, Miami's backup (currently Skylar Thompson) will likely remain a secondary concern. However, if Tua’s health becomes an issue, the Dolphins’ playoff hopes hinge heavily on the performance of their number two.

The Contenders: Ready to Rise?

3. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love finally gets his chance to prove himself after years behind Aaron Rodgers. Preseason games will be crucial in assessing his readiness to handle the pressure of a playoff atmosphere. The Packers' supporting cast will be a major factor in determining Love's success.

4. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of potential in his limited starts last season. His mobility and improving accuracy could make him a formidable backup. The Falcons' offensive scheme appears well-suited to his skillset, offering a potential pathway to success. His performance in the upcoming season will heavily influence his ranking.

5. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A highly-touted draft pick, Levis' development will be closely monitored. Learning behind veteran Ryan Tannehill will be instrumental. His potential is high, but consistency and game experience will be crucial in determining his true playoff calibre.

The Wildcards: Potential Dark Horses

Honorable Mentions: Several other quarterbacks could potentially surprise. Players like Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots) and Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans) have the athleticism and upside to make a jump, though consistency remains a question mark. Their development will be important factors throughout the season.

Factors Beyond the Box Score

This ranking isn't just about raw stats. We're considering several crucial factors:

Offensive Scheme Familiarity: A quarterback's comfort within the system is crucial.
Supporting Cast Strength: A talented roster can significantly mitigate a backup QB's weaknesses.
Experience under Pressure: Having performed well in high-stakes situations is a significant advantage.
Leadership Qualities: A strong leader can inspire a team to overcome adversity.

Conclusion: The Backup QB Battle

The 2024 NFL season promises intriguing battles, not just for starting roles, but also for the critical backup position. The quarterbacks listed above will have a significant impact on their team's playoff aspirations. Their performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Keep an eye on their development – the next playoff contender may be waiting in the wings.

Call to Action: What do you think of our rankings? Share your thoughts and predictions for these backup quarterbacks in the comments below!