Star quarterbacks often drive the conversation regarding the NFL's annual race for the Lombardi Trophy. But injuries are an even steadier part of the football conversation, and the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs are no stranger to that reality. Battling bumps and bruises to key weapons like Isiah Pacheco and Marquise Brown all season, on Sunday they absorbed their biggest blow yet, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes exiting early due to a high ankle sprain that left him limping to the sidelines.
Mahomes has weathered physical ailments before, playing through a noticeable ankle injury during the Chiefs' 2022 Super Bowl run, but it's possible he could miss time ahead of this year's postseason. Which brings us to an oft-overlooked but all-important question: How might Kansas City fare without its top playmaker? And which contenders are best-suited to survive an injury under center?
Here, we're ranking all the backup quarterbacks for the current projected playoff teams:
2024 NFL QB Power Rankings
| 1 | 
Carson Wentz
Kansas City Chiefs QB
|
| One reason Mahomes might sit and rest for a week or two is the fact Wentz has an abundance of starting experience, giving Kansas City a capable hand with a No. 1 playoff seed in reach. Yes, he flamed out in multiple stops due to a penchant for reckless gunslinging, but he's still got a big frame and big arm, with almost 100 NFL games under his belt. His brief late-year action with the Los Angeles Rams to close 2023 confirmed he's a high-upside fill-in for a contending lineup. | |
| 2 | 
Jimmy Garoppolo
Los Angeles Rams QB
|
| The 33-year-old has yet to take a snap with the Rams, but he's been there, done that, at nearly the highest level. Durability is an issue, especially behind an inconsistent front, but Garoppolo has proven capable of shepherding a run-first and play-action attack, reaching two NFC title games with the rival San Francisco 49ers. That big-game experience can't be found everywhere. | |
| 3 | 
Justin Fields
Pittsburgh Steelers QB
|
| The former Chicago Bears first-rounder suffered an abdominal injury in Week 15, but provided he returns soon, he makes for an especially intriguing No. 2. Electric but erratic as a full-timer in Windy City, he calmed down as more of a ball-control operator to open his Steelers debut, going 4-2 before Russell Wilson's entry as QB1. His athleticism alone gives him a relatively high floor. | |
| 4 | 
Malik Willis
Green Bay Packers QB
|
| Saddled with poor setups as a Tennessee Titans prospect, Willis found new life as Jordan Love's fill-in this year, excelling as the efficient figurehead of a run-heavy Matt LaFleur scheme during two different injury-related absences by Love. He's yet to face a consistent barrage of tests as a big-time thrower while in Green Bay, but his physical tools and comfort in the system are big pluses. | |
| 5 | 
Kenny Pickett
Philadelphia Eagles QB
|
| He was more scrappy than reliable in two seasons starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he's yet to see any meaningful action as Jalen Hurts' No. 2 in Philadelphia, but Pickett has the benefit of playing for an offense outfitted with top-tier playmakers at basically every position. With decent mobility and that kind of support, it stands to reason he'd provide competence if called upon. | |
| 6 | 
Davis Mills
Houston Texans QB
|
| The former third-rounder hasn't started a game in two years, and he was something of a streaky pocket passer when called upon, with 35 touchdowns to 25 picks, but Mills consistently displayed a resilient attitude while working with a much poorer supporting cast than he has now. | |
| 7 | 
Marcus Mariota
Washington Commanders QB
|
| The last time Mariota was thrust into a starting gig, he flamed out as the Atlanta Falcons' placeholder, struggling to find a rhythm as a passer. In truth, he's always been scattershot through the air. His legs are still a weapon, though, and that's perfect for Washington's run-heavy script. | |
| 8 | 
Josh Johnson
Baltimore Ravens QB
|
| At 38, well-traveled as a journeyman backup, Johnson can start a game in a pinch like no other. The man has knowledge of just about every system there is. He hasn't won a start in six years, however, and has thrown all of three passes over the last three seasons. | |
| 9 | 
Jarrett Stidham
Denver Broncos QB
|
| Once hailed as a future starter by Sean Payton, the former New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders prospect was serviceable, if unspectacular, after replacing the benched Russell Wilson late in 2023. He's gone just 1-3 as a starter between three teams. | |
| 10 | 
Taylor Heinicke
Los Angeles Chargers QB
|
| A folk hero in Washington for a gritty playoff effort against the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2020, Heinicke has a definite underdog flair, but he's struggled to control the ball in every extended opportunity. He's thrown just three passes with the Chargers. | |
| 11 | 
Mitch Trubisky
Buffalo Bills QB
|
| Now in his second stint as Josh Allen's backup in Buffalo, Trubisky didn't fare too well in a brief run as the Steelers' starter, going just 2-5 as Pittsburgh's QB1. He's been a sketchy decision-maker since his days with the Bears, but he's also spent more time learning from Allen in recent years. | |
| 12 | 
Nick Mullens
Minnesota Vikings QB
|
| While the Vikings made a practice-squad splash by adding former New York Giants first-rounder Daniel Jones this winter, Mullens has more experience in Kevin O'Connell's system, making him the likelier backup to Sam Darnold. He's a gutsy, if unnecessarily risky, thrower. | |
| 13 | 
Hendon Hooker
Detroit Lions QB
|
| Hyped as a potential first-rounder coming out of Tennessee, Hooker took his first NFL snaps this October in relief of Jared Goff. He's a total projection, having thrown just nine career passes. | |
| 14 | 
Kyle Trask
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB
|
| The former Florida product has prototypical size, but in almost four full seasons with the team, he's gone just 4 of 11 in hardly any relief work, though he's sat behind some accomplished veterans. | |
