Ranking The Top Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Win An NFL Playoff Game In 2024?

David

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Post on May 25, 2025

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Ranking the Top Backup Quarterbacks: Who Could Win an NFL Playoff Game in 2024?

The NFL is a league of attrition, especially at the quarterback position. One injury can derail a Super Bowl contender's season faster than a blitz package from the Philadelphia Eagles. So, as the 2024 season looms, let's examine the backup quarterbacks who possess the talent and experience to potentially lead their teams to victory, even in the high-stakes environment of the NFL Playoffs. This isn't about potential future stars; this is about who could realistically win a playoff game right now.

The Elite Tier: Proven Playmakers

This tier features quarterbacks who have already demonstrated success at the NFL level, either as starters or through impactful appearances in relief. These aren't just clipboard-holders; they're genuine game-changers.

• 1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, including a dominant playoff performance before injury, firmly places him at the top. His accuracy, decision-making, and composure under pressure make him a legitimate threat. The 49ers' offensive system is also crucial – it's quarterback-friendly and emphasizes strong running game support.

• 2. Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush consistently proves his reliability when called upon, showcasing a surprising ability to manage games effectively for the Cowboys. While he might not possess the same arm talent as Purdy, his experience within the Cowboys’ offensive scheme gives him a significant edge. His understanding of Kellen Moore's playbook is invaluable.

The Contenders: High Potential, High Stakes

This group boasts quarterbacks with starting experience, impressive college careers, or exceptional physical tools. They might need a bit more seasoning, but they have the potential to steal a playoff game with a strong performance.

• 3. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew's swagger and improvisational skills are undeniable. He's a gunslinger who can make plays outside the structure of the offense. While consistency can be an issue, his upside is significant, particularly in a system designed to leverage his strengths.

• 4. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe impressed in limited action, showing a good command of the Patriots' system and the ability to make smart decisions. His arm strength and accuracy need further development, but his potential is intriguing, especially given the Patriots’ typically strong run game support.

The Wildcards: Dark Horse Candidates

This tier includes quarterbacks with less experience but possessing potential to exceed expectations under the right circumstances. Their inclusion depends heavily on team context and offensive support.

• 5. Will Grier (Dallas Cowboys): While Grier hasn't seen extensive NFL action, his talent remains a wildcard. His familiarity with the Cowboys' system and potential to grow within their organization could make him a surprise performer.

• 6. Josh Johnson (Free Agent): Johnson's extensive NFL experience (albeit in a relief role often), shows remarkable resilience and adaptability. His ability to learn new offenses quickly makes him a valuable asset if given an opportunity with the right team.

The Importance of Offensive Support

It's crucial to remember that even the most talented backup quarterbacks need a strong supporting cast. A potent rushing attack, a reliable offensive line, and a skilled receiving corps can significantly impact a backup's performance, making even a seemingly less-heralded quarterback a playoff threat.

Conclusion:

While predicting playoff success is always challenging, the quarterbacks listed above possess the skills and experience to potentially lead their teams to victory if called upon. The 2024 NFL season will likely see some unexpected twists and turns, and the performance of these backup quarterbacks could very well determine the fate of multiple playoff hopefuls. Who will emerge as the unlikely hero? Only time will tell.