Ranking The Top Backup QBs: Who Could Win A 2024 NFL Playoff Game?

David

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Post on May 15, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup QBs: Who Could Win a 2024 NFL Playoff Game?

The NFL is a league of razor-thin margins. One injury, one unexpected slump from a star quarterback, and a season can crumble. That's why backup quarterbacks are more crucial than ever. But which backups have the potential to not just fill in, but actually lead their team to victory in a high-stakes playoff game? Let's rank the top contenders for 2024.

The Criteria: This ranking isn't just about arm strength or raw talent. We're considering a combination of factors: experience, proven ability under pressure, system fit, and overall team context. A highly talented backup on a weak team is less likely to succeed than a slightly less talented player on a strong, well-coached squad.

Tier 1: The Playoff-Proven

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's remarkable rookie season, culminating in a dominant playoff run before injury, catapults him to the top. He showed poise, accuracy, and a knack for making big plays. While his injury history is a concern, his performance speaks volumes. His familiarity with the 49ers' system is a massive advantage.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has consistently proven he can keep the Cowboys afloat when Dak Prescott is injured. While not a flashy player, he’s reliable, manages the game well, and knows the offensive scheme inside and out. His experience and success in key moments make him a valuable asset.

Tier 2: High Potential, High Risk

1. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew’s gunslinger style is exciting, but it’s also high-risk. He’s proven he can put up points, but consistency has been a challenge. His success in a playoff scenario would heavily depend on the supporting cast in Indianapolis.

2. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A high draft pick with a powerful arm, Levis's NFL success is yet to be seen. His potential is undeniable, but he needs significant game experience to prove he can handle playoff pressure. The Titans' offensive system will be key to his development.

3. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love finally has his chance to shine as the Packers' starter. His performance in the regular season will be crucial in determining his playoff potential. A strong showing could easily boost him into Tier 1.

Tier 3: The Wild Cards

This tier includes players with limited starting experience but possessing enough talent to potentially surprise. Players like Jarrett Stidham (Denver Broncos) and others could find themselves in this conversation depending on their performance and team context throughout the 2023 season.

The Importance of Team Context:

It’s crucial to remember that even the most talented backup QB needs a strong supporting cast to succeed in a playoff setting. A robust offensive line, reliable running game, and a top-tier defense are essential ingredients for playoff success.

Conclusion:

Predicting playoff success is always challenging, but based on current evidence, Brock Purdy and Cooper Rush stand out as the most likely backup quarterbacks to lead their teams to victory in a 2024 NFL playoff game. However, the season is long, and the emergence of other quarterbacks cannot be ruled out. Keep an eye on these players throughout the 2023 season as their performances will solidify (or shake) their position on this list. What do you think? Who is the most underrated backup QB heading into the season? Let us know in the comments below!