Can Backup QBs Lead NFL Playoff Teams In 2024? A Ranking

David

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Post on May 30, 2025

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Can Backup QBs Lead NFL Playoff Teams in 2024? A Ranking of the Contenders

The NFL playoffs are a crucible of pressure, where even the slightest imperfection can shatter Super Bowl dreams. For many teams, the quarterback position is the linchpin of their success. But what happens when the starter falters? In 2024, the question burning in the minds of many fans and analysts is: can a backup quarterback lead a playoff-caliber team to victory? The answer, as we'll explore, is complex, but certain teams appear better positioned than others.

This ranking considers several key factors: the backup quarterback's experience, the team's overall roster strength, the offensive scheme's adaptability, and the likelihood of the starting quarterback suffering an injury. Let's dive into the analysis:

Tier 1: Strong Contenders – Backup Could Potentially Lead Deep Playoff Run

1. Kansas City Chiefs: While Patrick Mahomes' health is paramount, the Chiefs boast a capable backup in Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has significant NFL experience, understanding Andy Reid's offensive system, a critical factor in navigating playoff pressure. The Chiefs' overall roster strength provides a robust safety net, making them a strong contender even with a backup QB.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts' durability is a concern after a demanding season. The Eagles' backup situation is a bit more nuanced. While Gardner Minshew possesses starting experience, his fit within the Eagles' system and his ability to handle the high stakes of the playoffs remain questions. However, the Eagles' strong defense and running game offer a solid foundation for a potential backup-led run.

Tier 2: Possible Dark Horses – Backup Could Win a Few Games But Unlikely to Go Far

3. Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s injury history is a concern, but the Bills’ backup situation is less certain. Their choice might depend on offseason moves, but assuming a similar scenario as last season, their backup might struggle to replicate Allen's exceptional talent. The Bills' overall strength could carry them to a few wins, but a deep playoff run remains unlikely with a backup at the helm.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow's health is essential to Cincinnati's success. Their backup situation requires further clarification depending on the offseason roster moves. While the Bengals' offense is potent, the team's playoff success heavily hinges on Burrow's availability.

Tier 3: Long Shots – Backup QB Would Likely Struggle

5. Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott's importance to the Cowboys cannot be overstated. While their backup quarterback may have some experience, the team's success is heavily tied to Prescott's performance. A significant drop-off is expected if he's injured.

6. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers’ quarterback situation is consistently fluid. Their reliance on a strong running game and defense can mitigate the impact of a backup quarterback to some extent, but a deep playoff run with a lesser-known quarterback remains a significant challenge.

Factors Beyond the Quarterback:

It's crucial to remember that a backup quarterback's success isn't solely dependent on their individual skills. A team's overall strength, coaching ability, and the offensive and defensive schemes play crucial roles. Strong running games and dominant defenses can significantly alleviate the pressure on a backup quarterback.

Conclusion:

While predicting the future is inherently uncertain, some NFL teams appear better equipped to handle a potential starting quarterback injury than others. The Chiefs and Eagles stand out in this respect, possessing experienced backups and strong supporting casts. However, even for these teams, the playoffs present formidable challenges, and relying on a backup QB is far from ideal. The 2024 NFL season will undoubtedly provide answers to these questions, promising an exciting and unpredictable ride. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the season approaches!