Unexpected Playoff Hopefuls: Ranking The Best Backup Quarterbacks For 2024

David

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Post on May 13, 2025

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Unexpected Playoff Hopefuls: Ranking the Best Backup Quarterbacks for 2024

The NFL is a league of unpredictable twists and turns. One moment, you're comfortably watching your team cruise to victory; the next, your starting quarterback is sidelined with an injury, and the fate of your playoff hopes rests on the shoulders of the backup. This year, several teams boast surprisingly strong backup quarterbacks who could unexpectedly propel their franchises into postseason contention. Let's rank the best of the bunch heading into the 2024 season.

Methodology: This ranking considers several factors, including past performance, experience, skillset, and overall team fit. It's not solely based on raw statistics, but also on potential and the player's ability to step up under pressure.

Tier 1: The Potential Playoff Saviors

1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, despite being a seventh-round pick, catapulted him to the top of this list. His poise, accuracy, and surprisingly strong arm make him a legitimate threat to lead a playoff run should the need arise. While his injury history is a concern, his potential is undeniable. The 49ers' strong roster significantly bolsters his chances of success.

2. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance in his limited appearances last season. His mobility and improving arm strength make him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. Paired with a solid Falcons roster, Ridder represents a genuine playoff wildcard. His growth and development will be a key storyline to follow this season.

Tier 2: Solid Contributors with Room to Grow

3. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew’s experience and gunslinger mentality make him a valuable asset. While not a consistent starter, his ability to keep a team in the game is undeniable. He's a reliable backup with the potential to surprise if given the opportunity.

4. Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots): Zappe impressed in limited appearances last season, showing a calm demeanor and a willingness to make plays. His development under Bill Belichick's tutelage is encouraging. While he still needs more experience, he's steadily building a reputation as a capable backup.

Tier 3: Intriguing Prospects with Unproven Potential

5. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A high draft pick, Levis has the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. However, he’s yet to prove himself at the professional level. His raw talent and potential for significant upside make him an intriguing prospect to watch, but it's a high-risk, high-reward situation.

6. Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Another young quarterback on the Titans, Willis needs to prove himself in his second season. His mobility and arm strength are intriguing, but consistency and accuracy remain significant questions.

The Wildcard Factor: Unexpected Emergences

It's important to remember that injuries are unpredictable, and a previously unknown quarterback could emerge as a surprise hero. The NFL is notorious for producing unexpected stars. Keep an eye on the training camp performances of backups across the league. An underdog could unexpectedly rise to the occasion.

Conclusion:

While predicting playoff success is inherently difficult, these backup quarterbacks possess the talent and potential to significantly impact their teams' fortunes in 2024. The upcoming season promises to be full of exciting storylines, and these backups might just write one of the most unexpected chapters. Stay tuned!

Keywords: NFL, Backup Quarterbacks, Playoff Contenders, 2024 Season, Brock Purdy, Desmond Ridder, Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe, Will Levis, Malik Willis, NFL Injuries, NFL Predictions, Football

(Note: This article uses current information. Team rosters and player status are subject to change.)