NFL's Best Backup QBs: A 2024 Playoff Prediction Based On Potential

David

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Post on May 13, 2025

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NFL's Best Backup QBs: A 2024 Playoff Prediction Based on Potential

The NFL is a league of razor-thin margins. One injury, one unexpected slump from a star quarterback, and a team's playoff hopes can crumble faster than a cheap offensive line. That's why having a reliable backup quarterback is paramount. This year, several teams boast backups with the potential to not only keep their teams afloat but potentially even propel them to the playoffs. Let's dive into some of the NFL's best backup quarterbacks and how their potential could impact the 2024 postseason race.

The Top Contenders:

Several teams stand out with exceptionally talented backup quarterbacks. Their potential to step in and perform at a high level significantly increases their team's playoff odds.

• The Kansas City Chiefs and Blaine Gabbert: While Patrick Mahomes' health is generally not a concern, the Chiefs have a seasoned veteran in Blaine Gabbert. His experience and familiarity with Andy Reid's system make him a far cry from your average backup. Gabbert's ability to manage a game and avoid costly mistakes gives the Chiefs a safety net few other teams possess. This reliability could prove crucial in a tight playoff race.

• The Buffalo Bills and Kyle Allen: Josh Allen is a force of nature, but injuries are an inherent risk in football. The Bills’ acquisition of Kyle Allen offers significant insurance. Allen possesses a strong arm and demonstrated starting experience, meaning he’s not just a placeholder. His potential to keep the Bills offense humming, should Josh Allen falter, significantly strengthens their playoff prospects.

• The Philadelphia Eagles and Marcus Mariota: The Eagles’ success hinges on Jalen Hurts' health and performance. But in Marcus Mariota, they have a former first-round pick and a proven starter. Mariota’s experience running an offense, particularly in a zone-read scheme, allows the Eagles to maintain a degree of offensive identity even if Hurts is sidelined. This continuity could be a difference-maker.

• The Cincinnati Bengals and Jake Browning: Joe Burrow's health remains a primary concern for the Bengals. However, they possess a capable backup in Jake Browning. While less experienced than some others on this list, Browning’s precision passing and pocket awareness make him a better-than-average backup. His development throughout the season will be a crucial factor in the Bengals' playoff push.

Beyond the Top Tier:

Several other teams have promising backups who, while perhaps not as likely to propel their teams to the Super Bowl, can certainly keep them competitive in the event of an injury. These include:

• The San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy: While Purdy is technically recovering from injury and aiming for a starting role, his potential to be a top-tier QB makes him a wildcard. His recovery timeline will dictate his impact.
• The Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Rush: Rush has proven his ability to win games in the past, providing the Cowboys with a solid, if unspectacular, backup option.

The Impact on Playoff Predictions:

The presence of strong backup quarterbacks directly affects 2024 playoff predictions. Teams like the Chiefs and Bills see their already strong playoff odds boosted significantly by their backups' capabilities. For teams with less-proven backups, an injury to their starting quarterback could dramatically alter their postseason prospects. The upcoming season will be key in determining how these backups perform under pressure.

Conclusion:

The NFL is a game of inches, and often, it's the unsung heroes – the backup quarterbacks – who can determine a team's fate. The quality of these backups will be a crucial factor in determining the 2024 playoff picture. Keep an eye on these quarterbacks – their performance could surprise you. What do you think? Which backup quarterback has the most potential to lead their team to playoff success? Let us know in the comments below!