Ranking The NFL's Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Steal A Playoff Spot In 2024?

David

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Post on Jul 17, 2025

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Ranking the NFL's Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Steal a Playoff Spot in 2024?

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 vanish faster than a Hail Mary. That's why the quality of a backup quarterback is increasingly crucial. In 2024, several teams boast backups with the potential to not just keep the ship afloat, but potentially even steer it to a postseason berth. Let's rank some of the league's most promising backups and assess their chances of unexpectedly leading their teams to playoff glory.

The Top Tier: Proven Commodities

This group isn't just capable of filling in; they have legitimate starting experience and could win games consistently.

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's surprising late-season surge in 2022, culminating in a dominant playoff performance before injury, catapults him to the top. While his health is a question mark, his undeniable talent and experience within Kyle Shanahan's system make him a genuine threat to lead the 49ers deep into the playoffs should an injury befall Trey Lance or Sam Darnold. His performance last year proves he can handle the pressure, a key factor for any backup eyeing a playoff run.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has proven to be a reliable game manager for the Cowboys, stepping in capably on multiple occasions. While not a flashy player, his consistency and understanding of Dallas's offensive scheme make him a valuable asset. Should Dak Prescott face injury, the Cowboys' playoff hopes aren't necessarily sunk.

The Second Tier: High Potential, Limited Experience

These quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance but need to prove their consistency at the NFL level.

3. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): The Titans' first-round pick in 2023, Levis has the arm talent and physical tools to potentially excel. However, he’ll need significant development before he could realistically carry a team to a playoff spot. His potential is undeniable, but a significant leap is required.

4. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed glimpses of his potential towards the end of the 2022 season. With another year of experience and development under Arthur Smith, Ridder could become a viable option if something were to happen to Marcus Mariota. His mobility and dual-threat abilities could make him a wildcard.

The Wildcards: Dark Horses with a Chance

These quarterbacks are longshots, but circumstances could align to give them an unexpected opportunity.

5. Jarrett Stidham (Denver Broncos): Stidham's familiarity with Sean Payton’s system and Russell Wilson’s injury history makes him a player to watch. While not a guaranteed starter, he possesses the talent to at least put up a fight.

6. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe exceeded expectations in limited playing time in 2022, demonstrating a calm demeanor and competence under pressure. His future remains uncertain, but he has the potential to surprise if given a chance.

The Importance of Coaching and Supporting Cast

It's crucial to remember that a backup quarterback's success hinges not just on individual talent but also on the supporting cast and coaching staff. A strong offensive line, reliable running game, and a competent defensive unit can make all the difference in mitigating the risk of relying on a less-experienced signal caller.

Conclusion: The 2024 Season Holds Intrigue

The upcoming season promises excitement. While the starting quarterbacks will undoubtedly garner most of the attention, the performance of these backup quarterbacks could significantly impact the playoff picture. Their readiness and performance could make or break a team's season. Keep an eye on these players; they might just be the unexpected heroes of 2024.

Call to Action: Who do you think will be the most impactful backup quarterback in 2024? Share your predictions in the comments below!