NFL Week 2 Backup Quarterback Rankings For 2024

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Only a crazy person would rank the backup quarterbacks, so we did it! The top ten backups for NFL Week 2 of 2024. Once you see the field, you’re out.

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. We’re in NFL Week 2 and the backups are poised to stand there quietly holding a clipboard.

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One player has already been elevated off the list, while another 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 2 Backup Quarterback Rankings

 

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

Todd Salem: It couldn’t have gone much worse for Dalton in Week 1 if he hopes to hang onto his backup QB pedigree. It is only a matter of time now before he sees the field. Bryce Young does not look like an NFL-caliber quarterback. He can’t control an offense, can’t see the field, and can’t throw guys open. Dalton is not long for the list. He is far too competent to remain sidelined.

Dan Salem: I’m skeptical of just how short a leash Bryce Young will be on, but there’s no denying that Dalton makes the Panthers immediately better. He has “earned” the number one spot for NFL Week 2.

2. (⬆1) Jameis Winston – Deshaun Watson’s backup, Cleveland Browns

Todd Salem: If Dalton is on the precipice of leaving our rankings, Winston is in the on-deck circle. He is a worse QB than Dalton, though with, perhaps, a higher ceiling. Or, at least, I’d give him a higher fun factor. At this point, the Browns should be clamoring for more fun at the quarterback position, even if it doesn’t lead to more success.

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Dan Salem: I can actually see Winston getting the starting job sooner than Dalton, because the Browns were supposed to be pretty good. With Watson getting sued once again, I don’t think Winston will be on our list much longer.

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

Todd Salem: Taylor is still the archetype. He is simply getting passed over by better situations.

Dan Salem: I hate to see him drop, but he’s stuck on this list, unlike those above him. A few other jobs may even open up, meaning he drops a bit further due to actual usefulness. That said, Taylor owns a spot in the top five here.

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

Todd Salem: Burrow had trouble in Week 1, but Browning isn’t a threat to unseat him unless it becomes evident that he isn’t healthy enough to perform. Browning waits in the wings for another week.

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Dan Salem: He’s permanently stuck behind Taylor, but his team looked equally bad in week one. No matter, there’s a 0% chance he steps in for Burrow.

5. (–) Drake Maye – Jacoby Brissett’s backup, New England Patriots

Todd Salem: Brissett wasn’t asked to do a lot in Week 1, and he succeeded in not doing a lot. Interestingly, he did run the ball seven times. If the New England offense is going to require its signal-caller to also make half a dozen plays on the ground each game, Maye, as the better athlete, would surely provide even greater gains.

Dan Salem: I don’t see Maye stepping in until October at the earliest. If the Patriots can win without him, but they are bad, then why play him?

 

 

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

Todd Salem: Is the Falcons organization worried about the fact that Kirk Cousins could hardly move on Sunday? Seems relevant to playing the quarterback position. Dude looked like Tom Brady wearing clogs.

Dan Salem: I’d be surprised if Penix plays this season at all, but seeing as he has that fresh rookie smell, he’s got a solid spot in our rankings.

7. (⬆2) Drew Lock – Daniel Jones’ backup, New York Giants

Todd Salem: If Lock wasn’t terrible, he’d be top three on this list. Jones’ days are numbered in New York. The only thing that will save Lock from being jettisoned from the Backup QB Rankings is if he’s hopped by Tommy DeVito when Jones gets benched.

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Dan Salem: I’m a DeVito fan, but I know he sits behind Lock. Unless Jones turns things around this month, Lock will go in and DeVito immediately takes his spot in our rankings.

8. (⬇1) Joe Flacco – Anthony Richardson’s backup, Indianapolis Colts

Todd Salem: Joe Flacco isn’t getting into game action unless Richardson gets hurt. Week 1 solidified that, even as we were somewhat hesitant to crown the raw, high-upside, second-year passer. He’ll have some bumps along the way, but this is his job every week that he’s healthy.

Dan Salem: Flacco has earned a spot in our rankings, but he’s unlikely to move up or down much at all. He’s a solid clipboard holder this season.

9. (⬆1) Mitch Trubisky – Josh Allen’s backup, Buffalo Bills

Todd Salem: Allen got dinged up Sunday but should be okay. Trubisky climbs in the rankings thanks to the two sweetest words in the English language: de fault.

Dan Salem: Yes, de fault is the only reason that he finds himself here.

10. (new) Aidan O’Connell – Gardner Minshew’s backup, Las Vegas Raiders

Todd Salem: Other than that accidental pump fumble, Minshew had a pretty good game Sunday. I add O’Connell to the list because I think he has some upside and flair as a backup QB darling. It remains to be seen if he’ll garner any starts this season.

Dan Salem: I’ll give you O’Connell, because our remaining backups’ names all escape me.

Hath Risen (to starter): Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers

Risen Before His Time (to starter, never on our list): Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers

 

Meet our NFL Week 2 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.

NFL Week 2 Backup Quarterback Rankings – This Is The End

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