NFL Backup Quarterbacks: Ranking The Top Contenders For A Playoff Push In 2024

David

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Post on Aug 02, 2025

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NFL Backup Quarterbacks: Ranking the Top Contenders for a Playoff Push in 2024

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One moment, your star quarterback is leading you to victory; the next, he's sidelined with an injury, leaving the fate of your playoff hopes in the hands of… the backup. For many teams in 2024, the quality of their backup QB will be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. So, let's dive into ranking the top backup quarterbacks most likely to deliver when called upon.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors: past performance (in limited opportunities), pre-season evaluations, team context (supporting cast), and overall potential. It's important to note that unforeseen circumstances can drastically shift these rankings throughout the season.

Tier 1: The Potential Playoff Saviors

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, despite a limited sample size, catapults him to the top. He displayed poise, accuracy, and leadership beyond his years. While his elbow injury is a concern, a healthy Purdy is a legitimate threat to carry the 49ers deep into the playoffs should anything happen to Trey Lance or Sam Darnold. His familiarity with Kyle Shanahan's offensive system is a massive advantage.

2. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance in his limited starts last season, showcasing mobility and a strong arm. With a revamped Falcons offense, including Bijan Robinson and Drake London, Ridder has the potential to elevate his game significantly. His improvement will be crucial to Atlanta's playoff aspirations.

3. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A first-round pick, Levis possesses exceptional physical tools. While he needs seasoning, the Titans' offensive line and running game should provide a solid foundation for him to learn and grow. His potential upside is immense, and a strong pre-season could see him climb even higher on this list.

Tier 2: Solid Options, but Question Marks Remain

4. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven he can win games in the NFL, stepping up admirably in place of Dak Prescott in the past. His experience and familiarity with the Cowboys' system are valuable assets. However, he’s more of a game manager than a dynamic playmaker.

5. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew's energetic playing style and experience make him a capable backup. However, his consistency remains a question mark. The Colts' offensive strength will heavily influence his potential impact.

Tier 3: Developing Talent, High-Risk, High-Reward

6. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love has been waiting for his chance for years. His talent is undeniable, but his game experience is limited. 2024 might be the year we finally see if he can live up to expectations. The pressure is high in Green Bay, but a strong performance could catapult him into the spotlight.

Factors to Consider Throughout the Season:

• Pre-season Performance: How backups perform in the pre-season will be a key indicator of their readiness.
• Injury Reports: The health of starting quarterbacks will significantly impact the importance of backups.
• Offensive Line Play: A strong offensive line can make or break a backup quarterback's success.

Conclusion: The 2024 NFL season hinges on the reliability of many backup quarterbacks. While some are proven commodities, others present high-risk, high-reward scenarios. Keep a close eye on these players – their performance might just decide a Super Bowl contender. Who do you think will be the biggest surprise? Let us know in the comments below!