Ranking The Top Backup NFL Quarterbacks: Who Could Make A Playoff Push In 2024?

David

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Post on Jun 09, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup NFL Quarterbacks: Who Could Lead a Playoff Push in 2024?

The NFL is a league of attrition, especially at the quarterback position. A single injury can derail even the most promising season. That's why the quality of a team's backup QB is often a crucial, albeit often overlooked, factor in playoff contention. So, as the 2024 season approaches, let's examine the top backup quarterbacks who could potentially step up and lead their teams to a postseason run.

Methodology: Our ranking considers several factors: prior starting experience, recent performance (including preseason games), perceived offensive system fit, and overall team strength. This isn't a prediction of who will lead a playoff push, but rather an assessment of who has the highest potential to do so.

Tier 1: The Playoff Contenders

This tier features quarterbacks who have demonstrably proven their ability to win at the NFL level and are on teams with strong supporting casts.

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, culminating in a playoff appearance, catapults him to the top of this list. While his injury history is a concern, his talent and the 49ers' incredible roster give them a high ceiling even with Trey Lance or Sam Darnold as starters.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has shown he can win games in Dallas, filling in admirably for Dak Prescott in the past. The Cowboys' offense is potent, and Rush's familiarity with the system is a huge advantage. However, consistency remains a question mark.

3. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew's experience as a starter gives him a significant edge. While his stint in Philadelphia didn't end well, his time in Jacksonville demonstrated his capability to lead an offense. His potential success in Indianapolis depends heavily on the Colts' overall performance.

Tier 2: The Potential Dark Horses

These quarterbacks have shown flashes of talent but lack the consistent starting experience of Tier 1.

4. Will Grier (Dallas Cowboys): Grier's experience in the Cowboys' system, albeit limited, provides value. However, he will need to significantly improve to step up should injury strike.

5. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe impressed in limited action during his rookie season, showing poise and accuracy. However, his inexperience and the Patriots' inconsistent offensive performance leave him as a lower-tier contender.

Tier 3: The Unknowns

This tier includes backups with limited NFL experience, making their playoff potential highly uncertain.

• Many teams feature young quarterbacks with limited game experience in this category. Their success would depend heavily on circumstance and rapid development.

Factors Beyond the Quarterback:

It's crucial to remember that even the best backup QB needs a strong supporting cast. A potent running game, a solid offensive line, and a capable defense are all essential ingredients for a successful playoff run.

Conclusion:

While predicting the future in the NFL is a fool's errand, Brock Purdy and Cooper Rush stand out as the most likely backup quarterbacks to lead a playoff charge in 2024. However, several other quarterbacks possess the potential to surprise. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether these backups can rise to the occasion and guide their teams towards the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl appearance.

Call to Action: Who do you think is the most likely backup QB to lead a playoff run in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below!