NFL Week 6 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 6 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. As we head into NFL Week 6, change is happening under center. Rookies are now getting promoted and injuries are growing among the starters. However, many backups continue to build upon their proven track record of successfully standing there quietly holding a clipboard.

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Two players were elevated off the list this week, 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 6 Backup Quarterback Rankings

 

 

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

Todd Salem: What more can be said? Winston actually got into the Week 5 action, throwing one pass. And afterwards, head coach Kevin Stefanski said Cleveland is not changing quarterbacks. Wait…not changing? It appears as though Winston’s spot atop the hierarchy is safe for another week, though pressure is coming up behind him.

Dan Salem: The Browns are bad, but their pride is strong. I’m not sure Winston is going to get the starting job unless Watson gets injured or “injured” this season. Too much money is on the line and ownership is both stubborn and prideful. Good luck Cleveland.

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

Todd Salem: Is Rodgers’ age getting to him? The 40-year-old was shaky and got banged up Sunday. The longer the season goes, the more his age is going to be a factor against him. If that is the case, I know a spry and lithe 35-year-old who can fill in nicely.

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Dan Salem: A new coach doesn’t change his position on the depth chart. If anything, it further solidifies his place on the bench.

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

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

Dan Salem: This dude isn’t even getting mop up duties with the way Cincinnati’s defense is playing. A solidified backup if there ever was one.

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

Todd Salem: Nothing to see here.

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Dan Salem: Watch and learn, because the Falcons are aiming to win the NFC South. They might just pull it off.

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

Todd Salem: Justin Fields had to take two plays off after getting hit big, and in came Kyle Allen to take the snaps. Wilson was inactive for the game and listed as the emergency third quarterback. Does that mean Wilson is actually still hurt, or is the team just playing games with the designations? If he’s not lined up as the backup for Fields, should he truly even qualify for the Backup QB Rankings? Maybe we need to have a vote on if he qualifies.

Dan Salem: I vote for keeping Wilson on our list to further highlight the shenanigans in Pittsburgh. The team has a great defense and is doing enough offensively. Wilson may be inactive on a weekly basis, but I don’t get the impression he’s about to see the field anytime soon. He’s earned his spot on our list.

 

 

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

Todd Salem: O’Connell might not have this job for long. I could see this as being a drawn-out, back-and-forth affair. The key is neither guy is good enough to grab the reins. I think Minshew is the better quarterback. Clearly, the Raiders thought so too to start the season. This is an obvious case of the unknown being more desirable than the known. O’Connell is more of an unknown, thus has more upside. Minshew is a low-ceiling player. He is the type of player who is given the shortest leash. Some folks probably thought even five weeks was too long to go without making a change. Something tells me it won’t be another five weeks before a change back is considered.

Dan Salem: Being demoted sucks, but the Raiders are going to need another spark in a few weeks. Welcome back Minshew and welcome back O’Connell to our list. Barring an unlikely winning streak, this is a fluid situation.

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

Todd Salem: Garoppolo was already a superior passer to the likes of Stidham and Lock. His rise up the rankings only indicates less opportunity for those who were previously ranked ahead of him.

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Dan Salem: I expect he sees action sometime this season, because Stafford gets banged up a lot. But he’s not getting promoted outside of an injury.

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

Todd Salem: Stidham is seeing his starter perform better as the weeks go on. There has been enough progress with Nix to think that the franchise believes this is as good as things are going to get. In other words, Stidham doesn’t offer Denver anything more than they are already getting. And they may be right.

Dan Salem: I don’t believe in the Broncos or Nix, but that doesn’t change their quarterback situation. Nix can’t play much worse, so he’s keeping the job.

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

Todd Salem: Copy and paste Stidham’s entry into Lock’s post with New York. The same can be said of his and Jones’ pairing.

Dan Salem: It would appear he has cemented himself on the bench, due to his team actually playing halfway decent. Go figure.

10. (BACK) Mitch Trubisky – Josh Allen’s backup, Buffalo Bills

Todd Salem: The triumphant return of Trubisky indicates active turnover at the quarterback position. We’ve had many passers rise, and more will continue to do so. Trubisky is never playing for Buffalo, even with Allen’s struggles, unless the big man is inactive. His existence on the Back QB Rankings means the positional depth is thinning out around the league.

Dan Salem: Last and certainly least, because he won’t be playing unless someone gets hurt.

Hath Risen (to starter, off the list): Aidan O’Connell, Drake Maye

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

 

 

Meet our NFL Week 6 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 6 Backup Quarterback Rankings – This Is The End

NFL Week 6 Photo Credits: theconversation.com; turfshowtimes.com and newsweek.com via Getty Images

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