Ranking The Top Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Steal The 2024 NFL Playoffs?

David

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Post on Jun 03, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Steal the 2024 NFL Playoffs?

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns, and often, the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason lies on the bench. Injuries are inevitable, and when a starting quarterback goes down, the backup steps into the spotlight – sometimes unexpectedly shining brighter than anticipated. With the 2024 season looming, we're taking a deep dive into the league's top backup quarterbacks, ranking them on their potential to not only keep their teams afloat but potentially even lead them to a playoff run.

Methodology: Our rankings consider a multitude of factors including past performance, experience, arm talent, system familiarity, and overall upside. While pure potential is important, proven ability in game situations carries significant weight.

Tier 1: The Playoff Contenders

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022 defied all expectations. While his injury history is a concern, his poise, accuracy, and ability to manage the 49ers' complex offense place him firmly at the top. His quick processing and understanding of Kyle Shanahan's scheme give him a significant advantage. If healthy, he's a legitimate threat to lead the 49ers deep into the playoffs.

2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): A reliable veteran, Rush has proven he can win games in the NFL. His familiarity with the Cowboys' offense and his steady demeanor under pressure make him a valuable asset. While perhaps not possessing the same ceiling as Purdy, his consistency makes him a safe bet for a team already built to contend.

Tier 2: The Dark Horses

3. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love finally gets his chance to prove himself as the Packers' starter. While his performance in the preseason and limited regular season appearances haven't been wholly convincing, his arm talent and athleticism are undeniable. This could be a make-or-break year for Love, and a strong showing as a backup could catapult him into the spotlight.

4. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): A journeyman quarterback with years of starting experience, Bridgewater provides veteran leadership and stability. He's seen it all in the NFL and possesses a strong understanding of offensive schemes. While not known for explosive plays, his game management skills could be invaluable in a pinch.

Tier 3: The Wild Cards

5. Will Grier (Dallas Cowboys): Grier provides depth to the Cowboys' roster. He’s shown glimpses of talent in limited action and has the physical tools to succeed. But his inexperience and lack of extensive game time put him in a lower tier.

6. Jarrett Stidham (Las Vegas Raiders): Stidham's performance in limited snaps has been inconsistent, showcasing both flashes of brilliance and frustrating turnovers. His potential is high, but he needs more consistent performance to climb this ranking.

Beyond the Rankings: The landscape of backup quarterbacks is constantly shifting. Young quarterbacks looking for a breakout season and veteran journeymen striving to prove their worth add intrigue to the narrative. Unexpected performances can easily shuffle the order.

The Bottom Line: The 2024 NFL season promises to be captivating, with several backup quarterbacks poised to make a significant impact. While the starting quarterbacks grab the headlines, the quality of the backups could ultimately determine the fate of numerous playoff contenders. Keep your eye on these players – they could be the surprise story of the year.

Call to Action: Who do you think will be the most impactful backup quarterback in 2024? Share your predictions in the comments below!