NFL Week 4 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 4 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 4 and the backups continue to excel at standing there quietly holding a clipboard.

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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 4 Backup Quarterback Rankings

 

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

Todd Salem: With Andy Dalton graduated, we assumed Winston would be the next to get the call. Watson has actually held him off though. A bad loss against the Giants wasn’t really on Watson as much as it was on a disintegrating offensive line. Since Winston doesn’t offer more maneuverability or athleticism, there is no reason to pull the trigger on a change until they get healthier up front.

Dan Salem: If things keep going in the same direction for Cleveland, I don’t see how Winston graduates off the list. He’s likely going to start falling back down to the pack, because if Watson isn’t the issue, then why replace him?

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

Todd Salem: The team could win games with Taylor, especially in the right matchups. But he is not going to see the field unless Rodgers gets hurt again.

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Dan Salem: Has a backup quarterback ever made the hall of fame? I know Taylor was a starter for awhile, but he’s truly made his mark as a backup. We need some way to recognize unsung players like this.

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

Todd Salem: The team could win games with Browning, especially in the right matchups. But he is not going to see the field unless Burrow gets hurt again. In other words, a young man’s Tyrod Taylor.

Dan Salem: The Bengals are 0-3 with Browning on the bench. Just saying, they can’t be any worse with him on the field. I’m sure it will stay this way.

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

Todd Salem: Maye saw the field a bit in Week 3, but New England is not planning a change at quarterback. It was supposedly just a chance to get the rookie some live reps in mop-up time of a lost cause. It doesn’t bode well for Brissett, though, that the offense was so inept that it created a lost cause in the first place. The New England front office has a longer eye than trying to win the next game, but at some point, Maye is going to feel like the superior option.

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Dan Salem: I’ve been eyeing October for Maye to take over all along, and it’s trending in that direction. He looked gun-shy and timid in his week 3 action, but Maye also showed tremendous upside. He needs time on the field to gain confidence and learn to make decisions faster. He’ll be the starter well before Halloween.

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

Todd Salem: The Atlanta offense wasn’t great, but Penix wouldn’t elevate it to another level at this point. As long as Cousins is healthy, Penix is safe on the rankings.

Dan Salem: I don’t expect Penix to play this season, but it’s still exciting to wonder!

 

 

6. (NEW) Russell Wilson – Justin Field’s backup, Pittsburgh Steelers

Todd Salem: How many more weeks before everyone admits that Wilson is healthy enough to play, but Fields is now the Pittsburgh starting quarterback? The Backup QB Rankings have decided the time is now. We know Wilson’s pedigree and history. It is easy to imagine he won’t make it a pleasant locker room experience if he’s officially declared the backup moving forward.

Dan Salem: Now we’re talking. This is some real drama, because I truly wonder if Wilson will ever play again. I believe he won the starting job in the offseason, probably by default due to his leadership, and I believe he was banged up entering week one. But I don’t believe he’s been hurt every week prior. The “injury” feels convenient and a solid reason for him to be on the bench. Did Wilson refuse to be the backup? This would force Pittsburgh to find a way to get Fields the job, creatively. Since the Steelers are winning, I doubt they rock the boat at quarterback.

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

Todd Salem: See entry: Taylor, Tyrod. Also, see entry: Browning, Jake. In other words, a slow man’s Tyrod Taylor.

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Dan Salem: Richardson is struggling, but the Colts are going to let him work through it, whatever that may mean. Flacco is simply moral support.

8. (–) Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix’s backup, Denver Broncos

Todd Salem: If Nix hasn’t quite quieted the skeptics yet, his Week 3 performance was certainly a step in the right direction. He made some plays with his legs and even began to push the ball down the field. Stidham would likely succeed more with the latter, but those are the growing pains Denver has accepted by turning to the rookie from the jump.

Dan Salem: I’m dubious of Nix’s one good game, but it solidifies his role as starting quarterback nonetheless.

9. (⬇3) Drew Lock – Daniel Jones’ backup, New York Giants

Todd Salem: Much like Stidham, Lock may be safe for a while longer in the Backup QB Rankings. To the surprise of everyone, Daniel Jones performed admirably at Cleveland in Week 3. It was an unexpected performance that should quiet the call for a change at the position…at least for a week or two.

Dan Salem: Lock is not leaving our list unless an injury happens. He is a dirt poor man’s Joe Flacco, without the track record of doing well.

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

Todd Salem: Like Maye ahead of him on the rankings, O’Connell saw some game action late in a game that was already decided. He actually looked pretty solid, especially after Minshew’s struggles. Antonio Pierce hinted at roster changes after the ugly performance, but it remains to be seen if that refers to the quarterback position.

Dan Salem: I’m not saying he should, but I do think he might be given a chance to start if Las Vegas loses another game in humiliating fashion.

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

Risen Before His Time (to starter, never on list): Tim Boyle, Taylor Heinicke

 

Meet our NFL Week 4 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 4 Backup Quarterback Rankings – This Is The End

NFL Week 4 Photo Credits: theconversation.com; predominantlyorange.com and boston.com via Getty Images

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