NFL 2024 Playoff Contenders: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks Ready To Shine

David

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Post on Jun 07, 2025

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NFL 2024 Playoff Contenders: Ranking Backup Quarterbacks Ready to Shine

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and injuries are an inevitable part of the game. While star quarterbacks grab the headlines, the success of many playoff contenders hinges on the reliability of their backup QBs. This year, several teams boast backups with the potential to step up and lead their teams deep into the postseason. Let's rank some of the NFL's top backup quarterbacks poised to shine in 2024.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors including past performance, experience, offensive system fit, and overall potential to seamlessly integrate into a starting role should the need arise.

Tier 1: The Ready-Made Replacements

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, culminating in a playoff appearance, proves his ability to handle pressure. While recovering from injury, his potential to fill in seamlessly for Trey Lance or Sam Darnold makes him the top contender on this list. His arm talent and composure under pressure are undeniable assets.

2. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew has proven himself a capable starter in the past, displaying a fearless playing style and a strong arm. His experience and familiarity with NFL systems give the Colts a significant advantage should Anthony Richardson face injury.

Tier 2: High Potential, Untested

3. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder's performance in the final games of the 2023 season provided a glimpse of his potential. While still needing to refine certain aspects of his game, his athleticism and natural talent make him a valuable asset for Atlanta. His progression will be key to the Falcons' success and his own ranking in future seasons.

4. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): The Titans gambled on Levis in the draft, betting on his potential to develop into a franchise quarterback. His raw talent is evident, but he needs significant game experience. However, as a backup behind Ryan Tannehill, he has the opportunity to learn and improve before getting his chance to shine.

5. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe impressed in limited action in 2022, demonstrating poise and accuracy. While his ceiling might be lower than some on this list, his reliability and familiarity with the Patriots' system offer valuable insurance for Mac Jones.

Tier 3: Intriguing Wildcards

6. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Willis’s athleticism is undeniable, but his accuracy and decision-making need significant improvement. His potential is there, but his path to consistent NFL success remains uncertain.

7. Sean Clifford (Green Bay Packers): Clifford brings a strong collegiate background to Green Bay, but significant questions remain about his readiness for the NFL. His performance as a backup will be a major factor determining his future.

The Impact of Backup Quarterbacks on Playoff Hopes:

The ability of a team to maintain consistent performance in the face of quarterback injuries is a crucial factor determining playoff success. Teams with strong backup quarterbacks possess a significant competitive edge. A reliable backup can maintain momentum, minimize disruption, and give the team a fighting chance even in the face of adversity. The 2024 season will be a fascinating test of this, as several teams’ playoff hopes might hinge on the performance of these understudies.

Conclusion:

While the starting quarterbacks naturally garner more attention, the quality of the backup is often the unsung hero of a successful NFL season. These quarterbacks, through hard work, preparation, and perhaps a little luck, are ready to step into the spotlight and prove their worth. The 2024 NFL season promises exciting matchups, and the performance of these backup quarterbacks could very well be a deciding factor in who makes it to the playoffs. Keep your eye on these players!