NFL 2024 Playoff Contenders: Ranking The Backup Quarterback Talent

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 06, 2025

4.7

Share

NFL 2024 Playoff Contenders: Ranking the Backup Quarterback Talent

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the most meticulously planned rosters can be derailed by injuries. For contenders hoping to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2024, the quality of their backup quarterback is no longer a luxury, but a crucial factor determining playoff success. This year, the depth chart behind some of the league's top starters presents a fascinating – and sometimes unsettling – picture. Let's rank the backup quarterback talent of the leading playoff contenders.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors including experience, recent performance, perceived ceiling, and overall fit within the team's offensive system. While raw talent is important, the ability to seamlessly step in and maintain a high level of play is paramount.

Tier 1: The Elite Understudies

• 1. The Philadelphia Eagles (Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew): Minshew's experience as a starter, coupled with his familiarity with the Eagles' system, makes him the gold standard. He’s shown he can handle the pressure and win games.

• 2. The Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert): Gabbert brings veteran savvy and experience. Though not a flashy name, his understanding of Andy Reid's offense makes him a dependable option. His presence provides significant insurance for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations.

Tier 2: Solid, Reliable Options

• 3. The Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen, Kyle Allen): Kyle Allen offers a reasonable level of experience and a familiarity with offensive schemes, though not necessarily a high ceiling.

• 4. The Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow, Jake Browning): Burrow's durability has been a concern, making the quality of his backup critical. While Browning is less proven than others on this list, he provides a safety net.

• 5. The San Francisco 49ers (Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold): The 49ers’ situation is unique. With Purdy's recovery from injury still a question mark, Darnold's experience as a former first-round pick gives them a respectable backup, although his past performance is inconsistent.

Tier 3: Question Marks and Potential Weak Links

• 6. The Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush): Cooper Rush has shown flashes of competency, but his ceiling is lower than many other backups on this list. His performance is heavily reliant on the Cowboys' strong running game and excellent defense.

• 7. The Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley): Huntley has experience filling in for Jackson, but his consistency is a concern. He's a capable player but doesn't offer the same level of offensive firepower as Jackson.

The Importance of the Backup QB in the NFL

The impact of a reliable backup quarterback cannot be overstated. A strong backup provides:

• Continuity: Minimizes disruption to the offensive system if the starter is injured.
• Confidence: Gives the team confidence that they can compete even if their starting QB is sidelined.
• Increased Playoff Chances: This is a crucial factor in close playoff races where even a single game can make a huge difference.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 NFL season promises exciting matchups and fierce competition. While starting quarterbacks garner the most attention, the performance of backup quarterbacks could very well decide which teams reach the Super Bowl. Teams with strong backup QB options have a significant advantage in the race for the playoffs. We'll be keeping a close eye on these players and their impact throughout the season. What do you think? Are there any teams we missed who have a particularly strong backup? Let us know in the comments below!