NFL 2024: Ranking Backup QBs Most Likely To Win In The Playoffs

David

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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NFL 2024: Ranking Backup QBs Most Likely to Win in the Playoffs – A Bold Prediction

The NFL season is just around the corner, and while all eyes are on the starting quarterbacks, a crucial element often overlooked is the quality of the backup. A single injury can derail a Super Bowl contender's season, making the backup quarterback position arguably more important than ever. This year, several teams boast surprisingly strong backups, raising the intriguing question: which backup QB has the best chance of leading their team to playoff glory in 2024?

This isn't about predicting who will start – it's about identifying the backups with the highest ceiling and the most favorable circumstances should they be thrust into the spotlight. We've analyzed roster strength, offensive schemes, and past performance to present our ranking.

Methodology: Our ranking considers several factors, including the backup QB's experience, recent performance (pre-season games will be crucial here!), the strength of the surrounding team, and the likelihood of the starting quarterback suffering an injury.

Top 5 Backup QBs with the Highest Playoff Potential (2024)

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy defied expectations last season, stepping in for an injured Trey Lance and leading the 49ers to a deep playoff run before his own injury. His quick release, ability to read defenses, and experience within Kyle Shanahan's system give him a significant advantage. While the 49ers are hoping for a healthy season from Lance or even Sam Darnold, should Purdy be called upon, he's already proven his playoff mettle. The 49ers' strong roster significantly boosts his chances.

2. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance in his limited starts last season. He possesses a strong arm, mobility, and a developing understanding of Arthur Smith's offense. The Falcons' improved roster and Ridder's offseason growth could make him a dark horse contender. He's a wildcard, but his upside is undeniable.

3. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven to be a reliable game manager in his spot starts, most notably in 2022 when he led the Cowboys to several victories while Dak Prescott was injured. While he doesn't possess the same explosive upside as Purdy or Ridder, his experience and familiarity with the Cowboys' system make him a safe and effective option. The Cowboys' overall talent provides a strong safety net.

4. Will Grier (Dallas Cowboys): While not as seasoned as Rush, Grier provides a different dynamic for the Cowboys. His arm talent and potential for big plays make him an intriguing option if injuries strike the Cowboys' QB room. It's a riskier bet than Rush, but the potential is there.

5. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Mayfield's career has been up and down, but he's shown flashes of his former self. Backing up Kyle Trask, he could benefit from a strong Buccaneers supporting cast should an opportunity arise. It's a long shot, given the uncertainty surrounding the Buccaneers in 2024, but Mayfield's experience makes him a viable option.

Honorable Mentions: Several other quarterbacks deserve honorable mentions, including Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers), who has the potential but needs to prove himself in a starting role, and others who might emerge during pre-season.

Conclusion:

Predicting playoff success is always challenging, especially for backup quarterbacks. However, based on our analysis, Brock Purdy possesses the highest likelihood of leading his team to postseason success in 2024. The other QBs listed present intriguing possibilities, highlighting the increasing depth and talent at the backup QB position across the league. This upcoming season promises to be exciting, no matter who is under center. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds!

Keywords: NFL 2024, Backup Quarterbacks, Playoff Predictions, Brock Purdy, Desmond Ridder, Cooper Rush, Will Grier, Baker Mayfield, NFL Season, NFL Playoffs, Super Bowl Contenders, NFL News.