Ranking The Top Backup NFL Quarterbacks For A 2024 Playoff Bid

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup NFL Quarterbacks for a 2024 Playoff Bid

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the most talented starting quarterbacks are susceptible to injury. A team's success often hinges on the capabilities of its backup. With the 2024 playoffs looming, let's examine the top backup quarterbacks who could potentially lead their teams to victory should their starter go down. This ranking considers experience, recent performance, and overall potential to perform under pressure.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors including past performance in the NFL, recent game stats (where applicable), perceived leadership qualities, and overall team fit. It's a subjective assessment based on available data and expert analysis, acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of the NFL.

Tier 1: The Elite Second-Stringers

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy’s remarkable late-season surge in 2022, despite being a late-round draft pick, catapults him to the top spot. His composure, accuracy, and ability to manage the game elevate him above other backups. While his injury history is a concern, his potential is undeniable. His performance last year proved he can step in and win games at the highest level.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): A consistent performer, Rush has proven he can fill in admirably for Dak Prescott. His experience within the Cowboys' system and his ability to avoid costly turnovers make him a reliable option. He may not possess the same ceiling as Purdy, but his dependability is a significant asset.

3. Gardner Minshew II (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, displaying a strong arm and a willingness to extend plays. While his consistency has been questioned, his upside and experience could prove invaluable if called upon. His mobile style could be a significant advantage if the starting QB goes down.

Tier 2: Solid Contributors with Potential

4. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): Bridgewater is a veteran with a wealth of experience as both a starter and a backup. His understanding of the game and his leadership qualities make him a valuable asset, even if his ceiling may be lower than some other quarterbacks on this list. He provides stability and experience.

5. Nick Foles (Indianapolis Colts): A Super Bowl MVP, Foles brings championship pedigree to the Colts' bench. Though his recent performance hasn't been spectacular, his experience in crucial moments remains an invaluable asset. He knows how to win.

Tier 3: Promising Young Guns

6. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A first-round draft pick, Levis possesses the physical tools to excel in the NFL. However, he lacks extensive game experience. His potential is high, but his readiness to lead a team in a playoff situation remains to be seen. This is more of a long-term perspective than a short-term one.

7. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Another young quarterback with high potential, Willis needs more seasoning before he's truly ready to lead a playoff charge. He's shown glimpses of his abilities but needs more game experience to overcome inconsistency.

Conclusion: The success of any NFL team often depends on the quality of its depth chart. While many factors contribute to playoff success, having a capable backup quarterback ready to step in is crucial. This ranking reflects the current landscape, but the reality is that performance can change quickly in the NFL. The 2024 season will undoubtedly provide plenty of opportunities for these backup quarterbacks to prove their worth. Keep an eye on these players as the season unfolds – they may well be the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit.

Call to action: Who do you think is the most underrated backup QB heading into the 2024 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!