Ranking The Top Backup QBs: Who Has The Potential For A 2024 Playoff Run?

David

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Post on Jun 12, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup QBs: Who Has the Potential for a 2024 Playoff Run?

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One wrong hit, a nagging injury, and a season can dramatically shift. Suddenly, the backup quarterback, often a forgotten figure, is thrust into the spotlight. For some teams, this means a season-ending freefall. For others, it could be the catalyst for an improbable playoff run. But which backup quarterbacks possess the talent and potential to lead their teams to postseason glory in 2024? Let's dive into the rankings.

Methodology: This ranking considers a multitude of factors beyond just statistics. We’ve assessed past performance, experience in significant game situations, arm talent, mobility, leadership qualities, and the overall strength of the supporting cast.

Tier 1: The Elite Understudies

These quarterbacks have demonstrated starting-caliber ability and could seamlessly step in and maintain, or even elevate, their team's performance.

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, before his unfortunate injury, catapulted him to the top of this list. His composure, accuracy, and ability to manage the 49ers' complex offense are undeniable. While injury concerns remain, a healthy Purdy is a legitimate playoff threat.

2. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love finally gets his chance to shine as the Packers' starter after years behind Aaron Rodgers. He possesses a strong arm and athleticism but needs to prove his consistency and decision-making under pressure. His success will hinge on his development and the supporting cast around him.

Tier 2: Promising Prospects with Potential

These backups have shown flashes of brilliance but still need to prove their consistency and ability to handle the pressure of a starting role.

3. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed improvement in his limited starts last season. His athleticism and leadership traits are intriguing, but he needs to refine his accuracy and decision-making to be a reliable playoff contender.

4. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe exceeded expectations in his brief appearances last year, demonstrating a strong arm and good accuracy. He’ll need more game experience to prove he can handle the pressure of a full season as a starter.

Tier 3: The Unknowns and Developmental Players

These quarterbacks have limited experience and their potential for a playoff run is largely speculative.

5. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): Levis is a high-upside prospect but he's still very raw and needs significant development before he can be considered a reliable starter.

6. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Another Titans quarterback with high potential but who needs considerable improvement.

Factors Influencing Playoff Potential

Beyond the quarterback's individual talent, several factors significantly impact a team's playoff chances:

• Offensive Line: A strong offensive line protects the quarterback and opens running lanes.
• Coaching Staff: A capable coaching staff can adapt the game plan to suit the backup quarterback's strengths.
• Defensive Strength: A strong defense can keep games close, even if the offense struggles.
• Team Chemistry and Morale: Maintaining team unity during a quarterback change is crucial.

Conclusion:

While predicting the future is impossible, several backup quarterbacks possess the potential to lead their teams on a surprising playoff run in 2024. Purdy and Love currently stand out as the most likely candidates, but Ridder and Zappe also hold promise. Ultimately, success will depend on their individual growth, the strength of their supporting casts, and a bit of luck. Stay tuned for an exciting season!

Call to Action: Who do you think has the best chance of leading their team to the playoffs in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below!