Could A Backup QB Lead An NFL Team To The 2024 Playoffs? Our Rankings Reveal All.

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 12, 2025

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Could a Backup QB Lead an NFL Team to the 2024 Playoffs? Our Rankings Reveal All.

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One minute, a star quarterback is leading their team to victory; the next, they're sidelined with an injury, leaving their team's fate in the hands of their backup. But can a backup quarterback truly steer a team to the playoffs in 2024? We've analyzed the rosters and the potential, and the answer might surprise you.

The 2023 season saw several instances of backup quarterbacks stepping up, showcasing their talent and resilience under immense pressure. This begs the question: which teams, and which backup quarterbacks, have the potential to make a playoff push in 2024 should the starter go down?

Our Rankings: Contenders and Long Shots

We've ranked teams based on several key factors: the quality of the backup quarterback, the strength of the supporting cast (offensive and defensive lines, running backs, receivers, and coaching staff), and the overall team's projected strength of schedule.

Tier 1: Strong Playoff Potential

• Kansas City Chiefs: While Patrick Mahomes is arguably the league's best, the Chiefs' roster boasts exceptional depth. Their backup quarterback, [Insert Backup QB Name here], possesses the skills and experience to maintain a high level of play if needed. Their potent offense and strong defense give them a significant advantage. This is a team built for playoff contention, even with a change at quarterback.

• Philadelphia Eagles: Similar to the Chiefs, the Eagles possess a robust roster capable of weathering the storm of a starting quarterback injury. [Insert Backup QB Name here] showed flashes of brilliance last season. Combined with a powerful running game and a dominant defense, Philadelphia remains a strong playoff contender.

Tier 2: Playoff Hopefuls

• Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys' offensive line and running game could potentially mask some quarterback deficiencies. [Insert Backup QB Name here] would need to prove capable of managing the game effectively. Their playoff chances hinge on their defense maintaining its top-tier performance.

• Buffalo Bills: The Bills' high-powered offense and strong defense give them a fighting chance, even with a backup quarterback. However, [Insert Backup QB Name here]'s inexperience could be a limiting factor.

Tier 3: Long Shots

This tier includes teams with less robust rosters and/or inexperienced backup quarterbacks. While a playoff run isn't impossible, it would require a significant amount of luck and exceptional performances from the backup quarterback and the supporting cast. Examples include: [List teams and briefly explain why they are longshots].

Factors Beyond the Quarterback

It's crucial to remember that a successful playoff run isn't solely dependent on the quarterback. A strong offensive line to protect the backup, a reliable running game to take pressure off the passing game, and a top-notch defense are all vital components. Coaching plays a significant role too – a team with a strong coaching staff is better equipped to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

Conclusion: The Backup's Burden

While a backup quarterback leading a team to the 2024 NFL playoffs is a long shot for most teams, it's not impossible. The teams in Tier 1 possess the best chance due to their overall roster strength and the relative experience of their backup quarterbacks. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the unexpected can always happen. The 2024 NFL season promises to be exciting, with plenty of potential storylines unfolding throughout the year. Keep your eye on these teams and their backup quarterbacks!

Call to Action: What do you think? Which backup quarterback do you believe has the best chance of leading their team to the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!