Could A Backup QB Lead An NFL Team To The 2024 Playoffs? A Ranking Of The Contenders

David

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Post on Jul 24, 2025

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Could a Backup QB Lead an NFL Team to the 2024 Playoffs? A Ranking of the Contenders

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One wrong step, one devastating injury, and a season can dramatically shift. This year, the question on many football fans' minds isn't who will contend for the playoffs, but who might lead them there—a backup quarterback. With several teams boasting capable understudies, the possibility of a backup QB leading a playoff charge in 2024 is far from a long shot. Let's examine the contenders and rank their chances.

The Importance of a Strong Supporting Cast

Before diving into the rankings, it's crucial to remember that a backup quarterback's success hinges heavily on the surrounding team. A stellar offensive line, a reliable running game, and a potent defense can significantly compensate for a lack of starting-caliber quarterback experience. This year, several teams possess the infrastructure to support a backup QB ascent.

Ranking the Contenders:

We've ranked these teams based on a combination of factors: the backup quarterback's talent and experience, the strength of the supporting cast, and the overall team's projected strength in 2024.

1. The Philadelphia Eagles: While Jalen Hurts remains the undisputed starter, the Eagles boast a highly capable backup in Gardner Minshew. Minshew's experience and the Eagles' overall team strength puts them at the top of our list. Their formidable offensive and defensive lines give Minshew a high probability of success if called upon.

2. The San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy's injury history makes this a precarious situation, but Trey Lance is still on the roster. The 49ers' historically strong running game and defense could cushion any early-season quarterback struggles. Their overall talent makes them a strong contender even with a backup at the helm.

3. The Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Browning, the Bengals' backup, is an experienced player, albeit with a relatively short track record. With Joe Burrow's health a question mark, Browning provides a reliable option. The Bengals' offensive weapons and overall team strength provide a pathway to the playoffs, even if Burrow misses significant time.

4. The Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Rush proved his mettle last year. While Dak Prescott remains the starter, Rush's experience gives the Cowboys some comfort. However, the Cowboys' playoff chances depend heavily on their consistent offensive and defensive performance regardless of the quarterback.

5. The Buffalo Bills: While the Bills are stacked on talent, the backup situation is less certain. The team's success rides heavily on Josh Allen’s health and the development of their backup. Any injury to Allen would be a major blow, pushing the Bills further down this list compared to teams with more reliable backups.

Long Shots:

Several other teams have promising backups, but their chances of a playoff run led by a backup are significantly slimmer. These teams often lack the depth or supporting cast to overcome a prolonged starting quarterback absence.

Conclusion:

The possibility of a backup quarterback leading an NFL team to the playoffs in 2024 is real. The success of such an endeavor hinges on the quarterback's capabilities, the strength of the team's supporting cast, and a dash of luck. While many teams have capable backups, the Eagles and 49ers, based on the analysis above, appear to be the most likely contenders for a playoff berth with their backup under center. Only time will tell if any of these teams prove us right. What do you think? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!