Ranking NFL Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Win A Playoff Game In 2024?

David

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Post on Jun 12, 2025

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Ranking NFL Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Win a Playoff Game in 2024?

The NFL season is a brutal, unforgiving marathon. One wrong hit, one untimely injury, and a team's Super Bowl aspirations can vanish faster than a Hail Mary in the endzone. That's why the quality of a team's backup quarterback is crucial. While star quarterbacks grab the headlines, it's the unsung heroes on the bench who can often determine a season's fate. So, as we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, let's rank some of the league's backup quarterbacks who possess the potential to not just fill in, but win a playoff game.

The Contenders: A Tiered Approach

Evaluating backup quarterbacks requires a nuanced approach. We're not just looking at raw talent; experience, system familiarity, and overall team strength play a massive role. Therefore, we've categorized these quarterbacks into tiers:

Tier 1: Playoff-Ready

• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season performance in 2022, including a dominant playoff run before injury, catapults him to the top of this list. His arm talent, decision-making, and experience within Kyle Shanahan's system make him a legitimate threat. While recovering from injury, his potential for a strong 2024 season is undeniable.

• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven time and again he can effectively manage games for the Cowboys, even leading them to wins in the absence of Dak Prescott. His understanding of the offense and ability to avoid costly mistakes make him a reliable option. He might not be a flashy player, but he gets the job done.

Tier 2: Strong Potential, Needs Refinement

• Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance during his limited playing time last season. While still developing, his athleticism and strong arm provide a foundation for future success. A full offseason as the clear-cut backup will be crucial for his growth.

• Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew's energetic style and experience give him an edge. He can make plays with his feet and arm, though his consistency needs improvement. He'll likely be competing for a starting job, but if he remains a backup, he could still be a capable fill-in.

Tier 3: Wildcards – High Ceiling, High Risk

• Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A first-round draft pick, Levis' raw talent is undeniable, but he needs significant game experience to refine his decision-making. His potential is immense, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can develop.

• Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Similar to Levis, Willis possesses physical gifts but requires significant development before he’s consistently reliable in a starting role, even in a short-term capacity.

Factors Beyond the Quarterback

It's crucial to remember that a backup quarterback's success heavily depends on the supporting cast. A strong offensive line, a reliable running game, and a top-tier defense significantly improve the chances of success for even a lesser-known quarterback.

The Bottom Line: Preparation is Key

While predicting the future is impossible, several backup quarterbacks enter 2024 with the potential to lead their teams to victory, even in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. The teams that prioritize backup quarterback development and provide ample opportunity for practice and game reps will be best positioned for success when injury strikes. Who will ultimately rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.

Call to Action: Who do you think is the most likely backup quarterback to lead a team to a playoff win in 2024? Share your predictions in the comments below!