Could A Backup QB Lead Your Team To The 2024 NFL Playoffs? A Ranking.

David

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Post on May 25, 2025

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Could a Backup QB Lead Your Team to the 2024 NFL Playoffs? A Ranking

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One moment, your star quarterback is throwing touchdowns; the next, he's sidelined with an injury. Suddenly, the fate of your season rests on the shoulders of the backup. But which backup quarterbacks have the potential to not just fill in, but lead their teams to the 2024 NFL Playoffs? We've ranked them, considering their experience, skillset, and the overall strength of their respective teams.

The Contenders: A Tiered Approach

To accurately assess the playoff potential of each team with a backup quarterback at the helm, we've broken them down into tiers based on their likelihood of postseason success.

Tier 1: Playoff-Ready

This tier includes teams with backups possessing significant starting experience and surrounded by strong supporting casts. A serious injury to the starter wouldn't necessarily derail their season.

• 1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy’s late-season performance in 2022 proved he can handle the pressure. The 49ers' roster is stacked, making them a serious playoff contender even with Purdy at the helm. Their strong running game and elite defense mitigate the risk significantly.

• 2. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love finally gets his chance to shine. While the Packers' roster is undergoing a rebuild, Love's arm talent and the team's established coaching staff give them a fighting chance. Their success hinges on his development and the emergence of young offensive talent.

Tier 2: Dark Horse Contenders

These teams have capable backups, but their playoff chances depend heavily on other factors, such as injury luck and improved team performance in other areas.

• 3. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of potential last season. The Falcons have a strong running game and a developing defense. However, consistency is key for Ridder to propel them to the playoffs.

• 4. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A rookie entering a potentially volatile situation, Levis's chances depend heavily on the Titans' overall performance and his quick adaptation to the NFL. This is a high-risk, high-reward scenario.

Tier 3: Long Shots

While these backups are talented, their teams face significant uphill battles to reach the playoffs. A backup quarterback leading these teams to the postseason would be a major upset.

• 5. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Similar to Levis, Willis's potential is there, but the Titans' overall situation makes a playoff run unlikely.

• 6. Other Backups: Many other capable backups exist, but their teams lack the overall roster strength to realistically compete for a playoff spot should their starter go down.

Factors Beyond the Quarterback

It's crucial to remember that a backup quarterback's success isn't solely dependent on their individual talent. Several other factors significantly impact a team's playoff chances:

• Offensive Line: A strong offensive line protects the quarterback and opens running lanes.
• Running Game: A robust running game can lessen the burden on the quarterback.
• Defense: A stingy defense can keep games close, even with a less-experienced quarterback.
• Coaching: Effective coaching is essential in maximizing the team's potential.

Conclusion: Uncertainty Reigns

While some backups possess the skills to lead their teams to the playoffs, the reality is that NFL success requires a combination of individual talent, team strength, and a bit of luck. Predicting the future is always difficult, especially in a league as unpredictable as the NFL. This ranking offers a perspective, but the true test will unfold on the field in 2024. Stay tuned!

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