Assessing The Top Backup Quarterbacks: Their Chances For A 2024 Playoff Run

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 20, 2025

4.2

Share

Assessing the Top Backup Quarterbacks: Their Chances for a 2024 Playoff Run

The NFL is a league of attrition, where injuries, particularly at the quarterback position, can derail even the most promising seasons. While every team hopes their starting quarterback remains healthy, the reality is that backup QBs often play a crucial role in determining playoff success. So, as the 2024 season looms, let's assess some of the top backup quarterbacks and their potential impact on their teams' playoff hopes.

The Elite Tier: Proven Performers Ready to Step Up

Several teams boast backups with significant starting experience, making them potentially playoff-caliber starters should the need arise. These are the quarterbacks who offer the greatest assurance to their franchises.

• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season heroics in 2022 showcased his talent. While recovering from injury, his potential to lead the 49ers on a deep playoff run remains high. His familiarity with the Kyle Shanahan offense is a significant advantage. The 49ers' playoff chances remain heavily tied to his health and performance.

• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven his reliability in filling in for Dak Prescott. While not a flashy player, his game management skills and ability to avoid turnovers are invaluable assets. The Cowboys, a perennial playoff contender, are comfortable with Rush as their backup, significantly bolstering their playoff chances.

The Rising Stars: Potential Game-Changers

This tier features quarterbacks with less extensive starting experience but possessing the talent to make a significant impact if called upon.

• Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance in his starts late in the 2022 season. His progress will be key to the Falcons' playoff aspirations. A strong showing in the preseason could cement his position as a legitimate playoff-caliber backup.

• Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love is finally getting his chance to shine after years behind Aaron Rodgers. His performance in the upcoming season will determine whether he's a true asset or a potential liability if he needs to step in for an injured starter. The Packers' playoff hopes might hinge on Love's development.

The Wildcards: High-Risk, High-Reward Scenarios

This category includes quarterbacks with potential, but also significant unknowns regarding their ability to perform under pressure in crucial playoff games.

• Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Willis's raw talent is undeniable, but his consistency needs improvement. He's a high-risk, high-reward option for the Titans, whose playoff chances depend heavily on the performance of their starting QB, Will Levis.

• Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe showed some promise in limited action last season. However, he still needs to prove he can handle the pressure of leading a playoff contender. The Patriots' playoff hopes are far from assured, and Zappe’s readiness will be crucial.

The Importance of Backup QB Development

The success of a team in the NFL often hinges on more than just the starting quarterback. Investing in and developing high-quality backups is a crucial element of any team’s strategy for a successful and deep playoff run. Teams with strong backup QBs significantly improve their odds of making and advancing in the playoffs. This upcoming season will be a key test for many of these backups, demonstrating whether they can truly handle the pressure of leading their teams to a championship.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Playoff Picture

The 2024 NFL season promises to be exciting, and the performance of backup quarterbacks could play a critical role in determining which teams make a deep playoff run. The quarterbacks discussed above will be closely watched as the season progresses, their performances influencing the outcome of many games and potentially altering the entire playoff landscape. Keep an eye on these players – their performances could be the difference between a Super Bowl appearance and an early exit.