The home stretch of the season brings little movement under center, but these backup QBs are borderline a list of starters! Your NFL Week 17 rankings.
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 17 is the final countdown for our clipboard holders, as several players pray they get to play at least one game this season. Usually 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 17, zero players were elevated off the list and one is 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 17 Backup Quarterback Rankings
1. (–) Kirk Cousins – Michael Penix’s backup, Atlanta Falcons
Todd Salem: In Penix’s first career start, he was okay. He wasn’t asked to do much, and didn’t need to do much to pull Atlanta to an easy victory. His one interception came off a juggled ball by the receiver, and he averaged 7.5 yards per attempt on the afternoon.
The Falcons are now tied with Tampa Bay for the NFC South lead, and it would appear hard for Cousins to ever garner another start for them. He still must rank highly in the Backup QB Rankings because of his overall ability at the position, but can you see Atlanta reversing course back? It’d be like the opposite of Indianapolis. If the front office already pulled the trigger on bringing in the inexperienced guy because the vet couldn’t cut it, there is no going back. The only caveat would be if Cousins was benched because of physical inabilities alone, and those cleared up. And yet, it is hard to imagine him getting healthier in the next two weeks.
More BuzzChomp: The BEST Tech Gifts In One Anker Tech Bundle
This is a legacy ranking and not reflective of Cousins being on the precipice of getting his job back. In fact, looking down the list, it is hard to pinpoint any quarterback changes as being likely before the season runs out.
Dan Salem: Cousins is the most accomplished backup, but the way he was playing, I’m not sure he’s the best right now. I also don’t expect him to see the field again this season. Atlanta will win or lose their division on the back of Michael Penix.
2. (–) Tyrod Taylor – Aaron Rodgers’ backup, New York Jets
Todd Salem: On a raw, frigid afternoon, Rodgers didn’t help the Jets do anything offensively. There were a few moments where it seemed obvious that Taylor could have made a play with his legs to save a drive or garner a first down. These snippets aren’t enough to warrant a change at quarterback, but I’d be very interested to know the front office’s plan with the QB room for 2025 and if these final few games are determining factors.
Dan Salem: Taylor has been supplanted atop this list once again. He’s not seeing the field either, so let the good times roll.
3. (–) Joe Flacco – Anthony Richardson’s backup, Indianapolis Colts
Todd Salem: Richardson threw the ball 11 times on Sunday, and the Colts were up by 23 heading into the fourth quarter. Tennessee ended up scoring 15 unanswered in the quarter, but it was too little too late. Would Richardson have been able to turn the tide through the air if the comeback put the outcome in doubt? I say no, but there is something intriguing about the game plan. Indy finished with 11 pass attempts and 50 rush attempts.
Also on BuzzChomp: It’s What’s Inside Movie Review – Body Swap Fail
Dan Salem: The Colts will live or die with Richardson the rest of the way. They are truly in playoff contention, so it’s irrelevant.
4. (⬆1) Andy Dalton – Bryce Young’s backup, Carolina Panthers
Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.
Dan Salem: Which team will Dalton play for next season? I feel as though he has one more season in him before retirement.
5. (⬇1) Justin Fields – Russell Wilson’s backup, Pittsburgh Steelers
Todd Salem: In a battle for the division title against Baltimore, Wilson was mediocre once again, and took three more sacks. Without George Pickens, Fields would likely have fared no better. He is, at least, more interesting to watch. It reminds me of a rich man’s Tennessee, where the guy sitting on the bench might make it harder to win but is more fun to see play the position. With Pittsburgh heading to the postseason, sticking with the higher-floor player makes sense.
Also on BuzzChomp: Apartment 7A Movie Review – Missed Opportunity
Dan Salem: The Steelers are stumbling their way into the postseason, but Wilson still gives them the best chance to win. This is not saying much, sorry not sorry to Fields.
6. (NEW) Jameis Winston – Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s backup, Cleveland Browns
Todd Salem: Nine for 49 on the ground is nice and all, but this guy isn’t a starting-caliber passer in the NFL. Thompson-Robinson offers something Winston couldn’t, which may be enough to see the season out the remaining two weeks. There is also an argument here that reminds me of the aforementioned Pittsburgh or Tennessee situation, with one caveat. DTR may be fun to watch because of his ability with his legs, but he is nothing but check-downs through the air, and there is no way he’s more fun than Winston. Winston is the ultimate gun slinger; fans on both sides cannot turn away.
Also on BuzzChomp: Apartment 7A Movie Review – Missed Opportunity
Dan Salem: I suppose they are seeing what the new guy can do, but Winston is certainly the more exciting option. Where will he be next season? The Giants perhaps?
7. (⬇1) Jake Browning – Joe Burrow’s backup, Cincinnati Bengals
Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.
Dan Salem: He is the runner up in terms of solid clipboard holding, as he will not play this season. Taylor has him beat.
8. (⬇1) Will Levis – Mason Rudolph’s backup, Tennessee Titans
Todd Salem: The Titans had a lot of catching up to do after falling behind big. Rudolph led them to 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Maybe Levis would have made enough plays earlier in the game to put Tennessee in a position to win; more likely, he would have made more mistakes that prevented the comeback in the first place. Tennessee is now 3-12 and still vying for the top pick in the NFL Draft.
Dan Salem: I don’t think Levis will get another chance to play this year, but I would not bet any money on it.
9. (⬇1) Daniel Jones – (not technically) Sam Darnold’s backup, Minnesota Vikings
Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.
Dan Salem: I wish Jones would get to play, but it’s not happening.
10. (⬇1) Jimmy Garoppolo – Matthew Stafford’s backup, Los Angeles Rams
Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.
Dan Salem: A new man takes last place. Nothing to celebrate here.
Hath Risen (to starter, off the list): none
Risen Before His Time (to starter, never on list): Kenny Pickett
Meet our NFL Week 17 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 17 Backup Quarterback Rankings – This Is The End
NFL Week 17 Photo Credits: cbssports.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.
Recommended for you
You're Awesome! Subscribe and Comment Below
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
