NFL Week 13 Backup Quarterback Rankings For 2024

Oh the intrigue, as failure sets in and teams admit they stink. NFL week 13 is the last time we likely see these QBs on the bench, because several are about to take over.

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Anyone can list the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL. Heck, one could throw together a top 32 pretty easily based on all the evidence we have of these pros and rookies coming in, how they fit in their offense, and what success they may or may not find. 

However, it takes a different mind entirely to rank QBs 33 through 42. That’s what we attempt to do at the Backup QB Rankings. With NFL Week 13 comes many last ditch efforts to keep jobs and preserve hope. Its not happening for anyone on this list, so trap in because the rockiest part of the season is happening now. While a select few await their name being called, many more backups continue to build upon their proven track record of successfully standing there quietly holding a clipboard.

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Entering NFL Week 13, zero players were elevated off the list this week, but two are now the starter without EVER making our list! So, what makes the best backup QB? It certainly isn’t NFL success.

Perhaps its the best pure passer who happens to not hold a starting gig. Or maybe its the best situation, someone primed for starts in the future. However, it’s a fine line, because as soon as that backup becomes a starter, he drops off the Backup QB Rankings until he’s back on the sidelines with that clipboard. Guys have to be careful if they want to hold their standing.

 

NFL Week 13 Backup Quarterback Rankings

 

 

1. (–) Drew Lock – Tommy DeVito’s backup, New York Giants

Todd Salem: In his first chance at playing time in the 2024 season, Tommy DeVito delivered exactly what a contingent of Giants fans were hoping for: nothing that would upset the apple cart in the quest for the number one overall pick. New York looked done with the season, and if coaches are coaching for their jobs, I could see them making another move to see if Lock inserts any kind of oomph into the remaining weeks. 

DeVito’s numbers weren’t horrible. But he wasn’t able to challenge the defense or make any kind of difference. Reminds me a lot of Daniel Jones in that regard, without the threat of running anyone over.

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Dan Salem: Lock may get his shot on Thanksgiving Day, because DeVito is hurting and did nothing to inspire confidence on the field. To his credit, DeVito was passable and did what we expected. He’s a game manager with a weak arm, but there was no energy boost or edge gained from him taking over. The Giants have given up on the year and would prefer Lock not to play, so he avoids earning any incentive based bonuses. But Lock is going to play, at least a little bit. If not now, when?

2. (⬆1) Tyrod Taylor – Aaron Rodgers’ backup, New York Jets

Todd Salem: Even during an off week, rumors continue to swirl around Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. People are saying owner Woody Johnson tried to bench Rodgers weeks ago. They are saying Rodgers will play in 2025, but it won’t be for this franchise. All signs point to Tyrod Taylor getting at least one start down the stretch, if only to try to turn over a new leaf. 

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Dan Salem: I stand by Taylor remaining on the sidelines because Rodgers wants to play and needs to play. If he is planning to retire, then he wants to play in order to end things with some positives on the field. If he plans to play again next season, then this is his audition for the Jets or another team. No matter what, Taylor is staying put.

3. (⬇1) Michael Penix – Kirk Cousins’ backup, Atlanta Falcons

Todd Salem: A bye week gave Kirk Cousins a chance to rest up. The bye also gave me another week to dial back my enthusiasm for Penix getting a start before the year is out thanks to an incapacitated Cousins. I still think it’s possible, but maybe not likely. 35 percent chance?

Dan Salem: Nothing has changed here. Penix will continue to sit and learn, as was the plan all along.

 

 

4. (–) Jake Browning – Joe Burrow’s backup, Cincinnati Bengals

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: Another week has brought another close loss to Cincinnati. They are a bad football team with a good quarterback, quite the enigma.

5. (–) Joe Flacco – Anthony Richardson’s backup, Indianapolis Colts

Todd Salem: As expected, Anthony Richardson had all kinds of trouble in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions. He finished 11-of-28 through the air, and the entire Indy offense got shut down. This should have been expected and was baked into the organization turning back to Richardson before last week. The schedule now lets up, and Richardson really needs to string together some great performances for the team to have any confidence in him long-term.

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Dan Salem: Richardon’s upside keeps Flacco off the field for the remainder of the year.

6. (–) Jimmy Garoppolo – Matthew Stafford’s backup, Los Angeles Rams

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: Change for the sake of things is not happening here.

7. (–) Justin Fields – Russell Wilson’s backup, Pittsburgh Steelers

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: Do the Steelers want Fields’ legs as the weather gets cold and deep throws are harder to make? Unlikely.

8. (NEW) Andy Dalton – Bryce Young’s backup, Carolina Panthers

Todd Salem: We should have seen it sooner. To be honest, Dalton was off my radar after he got into that car accident. We just assumed the team couldn’t go back to him. Now that they can, they probably won’t. I still think Dalton is a good player and deserves to make the Backup QB Rankings on talent alone, which is why it was a bad job by us to forget about him after he got healthy.

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Earlier in the season, Young struggled enough for the team to pull the plug on him, but since returning to the starting spot, he’s been okay/solid/fine. That is a huge leap up from where he was. He even held his own in Week 12 against Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City. Because of that, it is not likely Dalton gets another start in 2024. Carolina needs to run the cord out on Young as long as it can just to see what it has in him.

Dan Salem: Young is making progress, but it’s unclear towards what, exactly. He needs to keep playing and will.

9. (⬇1) Mason Rudolph – Will Levis’ backup, Tennessee Titans

Todd Salem: Nothing inspires a quarterback like seeing his untalented backup make the Backup QB Rankings thanks to opportunity knocking. Look at Caleb Williams since Tyson Bagent made the list. It took Bo Nix weeks to get comfortable, but he has knocked Jarrett Stidham off, maybe for good. Levis is doing a similar job after Rudolph squeezed his way back on. The inconsistent Levis is not likely to shut the door completely any time soon, but trends are positive for him behind center. 

Dan Salem: I suppose I must admit the Titans are not as bad as they look. Levis keeps his job.

10. (–) Sam Howell – Geno Smith’s backup, Seattle Seahawks

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: This spot is up for grabs. I nominate Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold’s backup in Minnesota, for last place. He may be fifth by next week with Darnold nursing an injury.

Hath Risen (to starter, off the list): none

Risen Before His Time (to starter, never on list): Desmond Ridder, Brandon Allen

 

 

Meet our NFL Week 13 Writers:

Dan Salem is Lead Editor and Co-owner of BuzzChomp. He’s an award winning Actor, Director and Producer. Visit M Square Productions for his film work, or get lost in his old-school comedy on Pillow Talk TV. You can follow him on X, TikTok and Instagram. His latest film ‘Alone’ is now on Amazon.

Todd Salem is a Staff Writer and Contributing Editor at BuzzChomp. He’s also a champion of fantasy football and fantasy baseball, dominating leagues for over two decades. Comment below on his unfiltered opinions.

The NFL Week 13 Backup Quarterback Rankings – This Is The End

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