Ranking The Top Backup QBs: Contenders For A 2024 Playoff Push

David

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Post on Jun 15, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup QBs: Contenders for a 2024 Playoff Push

The NFL is a league of razor-thin margins. One injury to a star quarterback can completely derail a season, transforming a Super Bowl contender into a also-ran. That's why the quality of a backup quarterback is so crucial. This year, several teams boast backups with the potential to not just fill in admirably but even lead their teams to a playoff push in 2024. Let's rank the top contenders.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors: past performance at the NFL level, recent practice reports, pre-season showing, perceived upside, and the overall strength of the supporting cast surrounding the backup quarterback.

Tier 1: The Elite Understudies

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, before his unfortunate injury, catapults him to the top spot. His impressive arm talent, decision-making, and clutch performances demonstrated an ability beyond a typical backup. With a strong supporting cast in San Francisco, Purdy is a legitimate threat to keep the 49ers in contention should the need arise.

2. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): After years of learning behind Aaron Rodgers, Love finally gets his chance to shine. His preseason performance provided a tantalizing glimpse into his potential. While the Packers' supporting cast is undergoing a transformation, Love's arm strength and mobility suggest he could keep them competitive. This season will be crucial in determining whether he truly belongs in this elite tier.

Tier 2: Solid Contributors with High Potential

3. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance in his limited 2022 appearances. With a full offseason as the starter, and a talented roster around him, Ridder has a real opportunity to prove himself a capable NFL quarterback and keep the Falcons in playoff contention.

4. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe’s surprising performance in 2022 showed potential. However, he'll need to demonstrate continued improvement and consistency to solidify his position as a top backup in the league. The Patriots' system is known for developing quarterbacks, but it remains to be seen if Zappe fully fits the mold.

Tier 3: Promising but Unproven

5. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): Levis is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His raw talent is undeniable, but he'll need time to develop and adjust to the NFL game. While the Titans are not a playoff contender right now, his ability to step in and deliver could change the situation considerably. Consider this more of a "potential" ranking, contingent on substantial improvement.

6. C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans): A high draft pick, Stroud needs time to hone his skills in a competitive NFL environment before he is considered truly ready to lead a playoff push. His future is promising, but it's likely too early to place him higher on this list in terms of immediate playoff impact.

Conclusion: The quality of backup quarterbacks can significantly impact a team's playoff chances. While the top contenders listed above have the potential to lead their teams to success, consistent performance and a little luck will be needed to achieve a 2024 playoff berth. The upcoming season will provide the ultimate test for these understudies, determining who will rise to the occasion and who will fall short. Stay tuned for updates and further analysis throughout the season.

Keywords: Backup Quarterbacks, NFL, 2024 Playoffs, Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, Desmond Ridder, Bailey Zappe, Will Levis, C.J. Stroud, NFL rankings, Quarterback rankings, NFL news, Football news.