Ranking The Top Backup Quarterbacks Poised For A 2024 Playoff Run

3 min read Post on Jun 05, 2025

Ranking the Top Backup Quarterbacks Poised for a 2024 Playoff Run

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One wrong hit, a nagging injury, and a team's Super Bowl dreams can vanish faster than a Hail Mary. That's why the quality of a backup quarterback is crucial, especially as the playoffs loom. This year, several understudies possess the talent and experience to potentially steer their teams to a deep postseason run should the starter falter. Let's rank the top backup quarterbacks best positioned for a 2024 playoff push:

Methodology: A Blend of Experience, Talent, and Opportunity

Ranking backup quarterbacks isn't simply about arm strength and completion percentages. We've considered a blend of factors:

Prior NFL Experience: Proven performance in regular season games gives us a better gauge of their capabilities under pressure.
Recent Practice Performance & Preseason Showings: How have they looked lately? Preseason games offer valuable insight.
Team Context: A strong supporting cast and a well-coached offensive scheme significantly impact a backup's potential success.

Let's dive into our rankings:

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): The Comeback Kid

Purdy's improbable rise from Mr. Irrelevant to playoff contender is well-documented. While his recovery from a serious elbow injury remains a question mark, his late-season performance in 2022 demonstrated his poise and ability to lead a high-powered offense. If healthy, Purdy is the clear frontrunner on this list. His familiarity with the 49ers' system and Kyle Shanahan's offensive genius are huge advantages.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): The Steady Hand

Rush's consistent performance filling in for Dak Prescott throughout his career speaks volumes. He's not flashy, but he's reliable and understands the Cowboys' offense. While he might not possess the same ceiling as Purdy, his experience and proven ability to manage games make him a valuable asset. The Cowboys' strong roster provides a supportive environment for success.

3. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): The Ascendant Talent

Love finally gets his chance to prove himself after years of learning behind Aaron Rodgers. His preseason performances have been encouraging, hinting at a potentially high ceiling. The success of this ranking hinges heavily on his continued development and ability to adapt to a starting role quickly. The Packers' offense, however, might not be as robust as Dallas' or San Francisco's.

4. Teddy Bridgewater (Detroit Lions): The Veteran Presence

Bridgewater brings years of starting experience to the Lions. While he might not possess the explosive arm talent of some others, his veteran leadership and game management skills are invaluable. His knowledge of offensive schemes and ability to avoid mistakes could prove critical should Jared Goff suffer an injury. The high-octane Lions offense could also be a huge benefit for him.

Honorable Mentions:

Several other backup quarterbacks warrant consideration, including Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts) and Jacoby Brissett (Washington Commanders), though their team contexts and recent performances might not position them as highly as the quarterbacks listed above.

The Bottom Line: Preparedness is Key

The 2024 NFL season will hinge on many factors. But having a capable backup quarterback ready to step up and lead is non-negotiable for playoff contention. The quarterbacks listed above possess the skills and experience to potentially carry the torch if needed. Their performances will be a crucial storyline to watch unfold this season. Keep an eye on their development and performance – their role could become significantly more important than initially anticipated.