NFL Week 15 Backup Quarterback Rankings For 2024

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Comments

With nothing left to play for, these QBs are destined to see the field and prove nothing. Will NFL Week 15 be their coming out party? Unlikely.

Prepare for the intense sports debate that only sibling rivalry can conjure. Seesaw Sports, where Dan Salem and Todd Salem throw down on the NFL, MLB, NBA and more. Only on BuzzChomp. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate sports.

 

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. NFL Week 15 is when new blood spills onto the field, figuratively of course. Players on this list can only hope their name is called, but no one wants to see it happen. Meanwhile, all of our backups continue to build upon their proven track record of successfully standing there quietly holding a clipboard.

More BuzzChomp: Ultimate NFL Predictions – Who Wins Super Bowl 59?

Entering NFL Week 15, zero players were elevated off the list, while 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 15 Backup Quarterback Rankings

 

 

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

Todd Salem: Another week, another multi-interception, no-touchdown game for Cousins. He can’t move and can no longer make all the throws he needs. All the reports indicate no quarterback change is imminent, and yet, I can’t escape the feeling that Penix gets a start before the year is out. 

Atlanta is 6-7, having lost four straight games. They are in second place in the NFC South, just a single game behind first-place Tampa Bay. Is this a reason to make a change or reason to keep the status quo? Cousins is killing them right now, and a better QB likely has this team in first place. However, is Penix that better QB at this early juncture of his NFL career? Only the coaching staff can have a great idea of the truth, and they obviously think Cousins gives them the best chance to win…for now.

More BuzzChomp: The BEST Tech Gifts In One Anker Tech Bundle

Three of the Falcons’ final four games of the season are against arguably the three worst clubs in the league: New York and Las Vegas, the teams with the worst record, and Carolina, the team with the worst overall point differential. Cousins’ leash has to be so incredibly short heading into this stretch.

Dan Salem: It’s almost like the Falcons don’t care if they win their division or make the playoffs, because Cousins is seriously holding back the team right now. If Penix isn’t ready, or they somehow agreed not to play him this season, then this is a case of foolishness in excess. Why not sign Daniel Jones to play? Stubbornly keeping Cousins out there when he’s getting worse is silly. Atlanta can make the playoffs!

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

Todd Salem: I may be coming around to your belief that the Jets are losing, and Rodgers is also playing, rather than thinking the Jets are losing because Rodgers is playing. However, I still don’t think he is elevating his teammates like old Rodgers. It is doubtful that Taylor would be able to do so either; he is more in the backup QB camp of being able to successfully hold the fort for multiple weeks. Holding this fort does no one any good.

Dan Salem: I’m glad you are coming around, because the Jets are just bad. Rodgers isn’t the same player, but he’s still making plays and scoring points. If you put him on the Falcons right now, they are likely in first place in the NFC South, rather than a game back.

Also on BuzzChomp: It’s What’s Inside Movie Review – Body Swap Fail

One could argue that a couple less mistakes by Rodgers, or a few less missed passes would have led to an additional Jets win or two. But this team has held leads in the last few games. They have lost by less than a touchdown more times than I would think possible. Ultimately, the defense, which has deteriorated after the firing of Robert Saleh, is not doing its part. Putting in Tyrod Taylor won’t change the defense.

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

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: I’m not sure why he is so high on our list any more. There is zero percent chance he plays, because Burrow is an MVP candidate.

 

 

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

Todd Salem: Richardson wasn’t bad in Week 14 because Indy was on bye. Like Atlanta, they are surprisingly still in the playoff chase with a very easy schedule remaining. Flacco probably gives them a better chance of making the playoffs, raising the team’s floor. But Richardson certainly raises the ceiling and needs to be kept in there to see what he can do.

Also on BuzzChomp: Apartment 7A Movie Review – Missed Opportunity

Dan Salem: The Colts are bad, but still might sneak into the playoffs. Since they are bad, leave Flacco on the bench. Nothing is gained by playing him.

5. (⬆1) Justin Fields – Russell Wilson’s backup, Pittsburgh Steelers

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: I wonder what team Fields won’t start for next season.

6. (⬆1) Andy Dalton – Bryce Young’s backup, Carolina Panthers

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: We must be jokesters, because Bryce Young is actually getting better. He’s halfway decent now, so Dalton isn’t playing again this year.

7. (⬆1) Daniel Jones – (not technically) Sam Darnold’s backup, Minnesota Vikings

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: Well I’ll be damned, Darnold is getting better as the year goes on. Jones is just fun to put on this list. He technically doesn’t even qualify.

8. (⬇3) Jimmy Garoppolo – Matthew Stafford’s backup, Los Angeles Rams

Todd Salem: On Sunday, Stafford had a game that few other passers in this league could have. He was electric, as was his counterpart in Buffalo.

Nothing changed in terms of Staffords’ standing for Los Angeles or his relationship to Garoppolo on the depth chart. That performance didn’t impact Garoppolo’s chances of playing in the least. However, I’m dropping Jimmy G down the Backup QB Rankings just to indicate how far away he is from being able to play in a game like that. He may be able to find success and win games if he was forced into action for this Rams team, but he could never compete like that. 

Also on BuzzChomp: Apartment 7A Movie Review – Missed Opportunity  

Dan Salem: I did not think the Rams would be a playoff team, but here we are. No QB change in sight.

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

Todd Salem: The roller coaster Levis season continues. After maybe the best start of his career, he has now played two straight stinkers. Tennessee is playing for draft positioning, so there is no reason to make a change, and Levis brings much more excitement than Rudolph would. Even still, it is hard to feel great about him as a long-term solution despite his arm talent.

Dan Salem: Wow, I managed to overestimate the Titans last week against Jacksonville, which is really saying something. Levis is going to keep playing, but this may just be his last season starting.

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

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: Holding strong to last place. Why? Not really sure at this point.

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

Risen Before His Time (to starter, never on list): Jake Haener (again), Desmond Ridder (again)

 

 

Meet our NFL Week 15 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 15 Backup Quarterback Rankings – This Is The End

NFL Week 15 Photo Credits: theconversation.com; profootballnetwork.com via Getty Images

BuzzChomp is an affiliate for products and services recommended herein. Please read our Full Disclaimer for further information on affiliate programs and opportunities.