NFL Contenders Ranked by Backup QB Strength
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- Davis Mills led the Houston Texans to a 3-0 record in place of C.J. Stroud during Week 9, helping secure a playoff berth and demonstrating high short-term viability as a backup.
- Mac Jones guided the San Francisco 49ers to a 5-3 record while Brock Purdy was sidelined, maintaining their push for the NFC's top seed through strong situational performance.
- Kyle Allen serves as Josh Allen’s primary backup on the Buffalo Bills, bringing 19 career starts but limited recent effectiveness, including a 51.3% completion rate in his last start.
- Teddy Bridgewater returns to the Detroit Lions as Jared Goff’s backup despite minimal recent action, having last started in 2022 and most recently completing 53.3% of passes in a brief 2023 appearance.
- Trey Lance failed to capitalize on his Week 18 start for the Los Angeles Chargers, posting a 43.4 passer rating with 136 yards and an interception on 45.5% completion.
- Tyrod Taylor provides veteran depth behind Jordan Love on the Green Bay Packers, going 1-3 in four starts for the Jets in 2025 with one 197-yard, two-touchdown performance.
- Jarrett Stidham started the AFC Championship Game for the Denver Broncos after Bo Nix’s injury, throwing for 133 yards and one touchdown in a 10-7 loss to the Patriots.
Why it matters: Teams like the 49ers and Texans proved last season that a capable backup can preserve a contender’s playoff path, turning QB depth from insurance into a tangible competitive advantage when starters miss time—something the Bills, Chargers, and Lions may lack based on recent backup performance.
