Can These Backup QBs Lead A Playoff Run In 2024? A Comprehensive Ranking

David

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Post on May 25, 2025

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Can These Backup QBs Lead a Playoff Run in 2024? A Comprehensive Ranking

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns, and few scenarios are more dramatic than a starting quarterback going down with injury. Suddenly, the fate of a playoff contender rests on the shoulders of a backup – a player often relegated to the sidelines, suddenly thrust into the spotlight. With the 2024 season looming, the question on many fans' minds is: which backup quarterbacks have the potential to not just fill in, but lead their teams to a deep playoff run? We've ranked them, considering experience, talent, and system fit.

Methodology: Our ranking considers several factors beyond just raw statistics. We've weighed in-game experience, performance in pressure situations, familiarity with the team's offensive scheme, and the overall supporting cast around the backup quarterback. This isn't just about arm strength; it's about leadership and the ability to manage a game.

Tier 1: Playoff-Ready

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, culminating in a strong playoff performance before injury, catapults him to the top. He showed poise, accuracy, and a knack for winning. His familiarity with Kyle Shanahan's offensive system is invaluable. The 49ers' roster strength also significantly boosts his chances.

2. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love has spent years learning under Aaron Rodgers, absorbing the intricacies of the NFL. While untested as a starter, his talent and the Packers' supporting cast give him a solid chance to succeed if called upon. His performance in preseason and early regular season games will be crucial in determining his actual capabilities.

3. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance in his limited starts in 2022. With an offseason to improve and a team building around him, Ridder has the potential to surprise many. The Falcons' offensive scheme caters to a mobile quarterback, which plays to Ridder's strengths.

Tier 2: Potential Dark Horses

4. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe impressed in limited appearances last season, showcasing a surprising level of composure. However, his lack of extensive experience keeps him from a higher ranking. His success hinges heavily on the Patriots' offensive line and play-calling.

5. Will Grier (Dallas Cowboys): Grier's experience in a high-pressure environment (though mostly in practice) and his understanding of the Cowboys' system could make him a capable, if unspectacular, replacement. However, his performance in the preseason and any regular season snaps will determine how far he can realistically carry the Cowboys.

Tier 3: Unproven Commodities

This tier includes quarterbacks with limited NFL experience or those whose performance has not yet shown enough to warrant a higher ranking. Their potential to lead a playoff run is highly uncertain. Names in this category will vary depending on roster moves and preseason performances.

Conclusion:

The 2024 NFL season promises to be a rollercoaster, and the performance of backup quarterbacks could significantly impact the playoff picture. While Brock Purdy and Jordan Love stand out as the most likely to lead a successful playoff run, several other backups possess the potential for surprise success, depending on the circumstances. The coming season will undoubtedly test these quarterbacks and determine their true mettle on the biggest stage.

Call to Action: Who do you think will be the most surprising backup quarterback in 2024? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check back for updates as the season progresses.