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

David

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Post on May 22, 2025

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

The NFL is a league of razor-thin margins. One injury to a star quarterback can derail a playoff-bound team faster than a blitz package from Micah Parsons. That's why having a reliable backup quarterback is crucial, a fact many teams learned the hard way in 2023. As we look ahead to the 2024 season, let's rank some of the top backup quarterbacks poised to step up and potentially lead their teams to a playoff push if needed.

Methodology: Our rankings consider a combination of factors including past performance, experience, arm talent, and overall system fit within their respective teams. This isn't about predicting who will start; it's about assessing the quality of the backup options should the starter go down.

Tier 1: The Elite Understudies

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's playoff run in 2022, despite limited experience, catapults him to the top of this list. He possesses impressive poise, accuracy, and a knack for making plays under pressure. While his injury history is a concern, his potential is undeniable. The 49ers' strong roster makes him even more valuable.

2. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love finally got his chance to start in 2023, and while the results weren't overwhelmingly positive, he showed flashes of the potential that made him a first-round pick. He has the arm talent and athleticism to succeed, and a full season as the starter could significantly boost his stock. His experience gives him an edge.

3. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed promise in his limited starts last season, displaying a strong arm and the ability to manage the game. With a revamped Falcons offense, he’s in a prime position to build upon his performance and solidify his spot as a top backup. His youth and upside are attractive attributes.

Tier 2: Solid Contributors

4. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): A veteran presence known for his game management skills and ability to avoid turnovers. While not a high-ceiling quarterback, he provides consistency and reliability, crucial attributes for a backup.

5. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): A seasoned veteran with extensive starting experience. Bridgewater's experience makes him a valuable asset, even if his ceiling might be lower than some other backups. His leadership and knowledge of NFL systems would be beneficial if called upon.

Tier 3: Potential But Unproven

6. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A high draft pick with raw talent, Levis needs time to develop. However, his potential is undeniable. His powerful arm and athleticism give him the upside to eventually become a starter, but his inexperience places him in a lower tier for now.

7. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe's performance in limited action has shown flashes of competence, making him a valuable asset to the Patriots. He needs more playing time to solidify his position, though.

The Importance of Backup Quarterbacks

The success or failure of a season can often hinge on the performance of the backup quarterback. Investing in a quality backup is not just a matter of depth, it's an investment in the team's overall playoff chances. Teams who prioritize finding a reliable backup quarterback are showing a commitment to success, irrespective of injuries. The 2024 season will provide a crucial test for many of these quarterbacks and their teams. We'll be watching closely to see which ones rise to the occasion.

Call to Action: Who do you think is the most underrated backup quarterback heading into 2024? Let us know in the comments below!