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Quarterback injuries and inconsistent play have opened up opportunities for backups to get under center in the NFL the past two seasons. Last year, 66 different quarterbacks started games. That number might seem unusually high, but in 2022, 68 different quarterbacks recorded at least one start.
In deeper Superflex leagues, rostering backup quarterbacks as handcuffs can be an effective strategy. Backups such as Jake Browning and Joe Flacco were contributing pieces for fantasy playoff teams down the stretch and even gave titles to some of the teams who grabbed them off waivers.
Depth charts are a long way from being finalized without knowing cuts, injuries, or trades at this point, but as of right now, these are your projected backups for all 32 teams.
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Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for AFC East Teams
Buffalo Bills – Mitchell Trubisky
Mitch Trubisky NVP 🙌pic.twitter.com/MJb8IjR7ea
— PFF (@PFF) January 11, 2021
Josh Allen’s backup in 2021, Trubisky is back in Buffalo after a two-year stint in Pittsburgh as a bridge quarterback during the Kenny Pickett experiment. In 2023, Trubisky started two games for the Steelers. Buffalo fans hope they won’t see the former first-round pick under center past the preseason, and Josh Allen fantasy owners surely feel the same way.
Miami Dolphins – Mike White
Mike White is now entering his second season as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup. White did not see much action in 2023 as he completed 5-of-6 passes for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception in relief of Tagovailoa. White demonstrated his ability to sling the ball down the field when he started a few games for the Jets in 2021 and 2022 and would offer solid fantasy value if Tagovailoa were to go down with an injury. White is worth a stash in deeper leagues and should be rostered in Superflex leagues by Tagovailoa owners, should there be enough bench spots.
New York Jets – Tyrod Taylor
Taylor stayed put in New York this offseason, moving from the Giants to the Jets. After starting five games for the Giants in 2023, Taylor will now back up Aaron Rodgers and help mentor fifth-round rookie Jordan Travis. Jets fans hope to see more of Rodgers in 2024 after the short-lived New York debut, but the Jets’ contingency plan should keep them afloat just in case. Things definitely can't get any worse on offense than they did under Zach Wilson, right?
New England Patriots – Jacoby Brissett
#Patriots Mandatory Minicamp Notes [Non-Padded] (6/10):
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
• Drake Maye during 7s: 3/3 for 3 TDs — the rookie’s touch on the ball was on full display and he did not disappoint.
• All 4 QBs ran a live 11-on-11 period with 1:32 on the clock.
Jacoby Brissett… pic.twitter.com/YY35ubHjih
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) June 10, 2024
Brissett could still be the opening-day starter over rookie Drake Maye given his experience and leadership, although I’m going to give the edge to Maye here since New England may want to get him immediate experience. Either way, Brissett has some dynasty value and has always produced solid outputs when thrust into the starting lineup. The journeyman has started games for New England, Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland, and Washington as he enters his ninth NFL season.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for AFC West Teams
Denver Broncos – Zach Wilson
Denver has an intriguing quarterback battle between rookie Bo Nix, journeyman Jarrett Stidham, and former Jets flameout Zach Wilson. Given Sean Payton’s inexplicable love for Nix, I’m giving him the nod to be the Week 1 starter here. Wilson, who the Broncos traded a sixth-round pick to bring to town, slots in as the backup. Wilson has shown flashes throughout his career but has been too inconsistent to hold down a starting job. Could we see a potential career resurgence if he gets some game time in with Denver this year?
Los Angeles Chargers – Easton Stick
Easton Stick and Trey Lance throwing together as part of Stick’s second annual QB camp. #ProBison pic.twitter.com/ks753aPRfj
— Devin Fry (@FryTheSportsGuy) June 19, 2024
It took Easton Stick five seasons to see significant game action, as he filled in for Justin Herbert over the last five games of the 2023 season. Stick didn’t play great but also limited turnovers, completing 111-of-174 passes for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. With the Chargers failing to make any significant quarterback moves, it appears that he did enough to hold onto the backup job for another season.
Kansas City Chiefs – Carson Wentz
Report: Chiefs sign Carson Wentz to 1-year deal...
@keyshawn says he can still become a starter in the NFL 👀 pic.twitter.com/S5XEU2Og0S— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 2, 2024
Speaking of flameouts, the once near-MVP is now relegated to backup duties under Patrick Mahomes. Wentz only started one game last season, completing 17-of-24 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns with an interception for the Rams in Week 18. He also displayed what looked like healthy legs, carrying 17 attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown. The 31-year-old has seen his once-promising career derailed by injuries, but he is in a good spot to see some success on a revived Kansas City offense should Mahomes miss any time.
Las Vegas Raiders – Aidan O'Connell
O'Connell is in the mix to start this year, but I have the newly signed Gardner Minshew II winning the job. O’Connell was largely ineffective for fantasy but was not a bad game manager as a rookie. He could carve out a solid career as a backup NFL quarterback after completing 213-of-343 passes for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his first season.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for AFC North Teams
Cincinnati Bengals – Jake Browning
Entering his sixth season in the league, Jake Browning saw his first game action in 2023 in place of the injured Joe Burrow. Browning exceeded expectations, nearly qualifying Cincinnati for the postseason, and re-signed with the Bengals to continue as Burrow’s backup. With question marks surrounding the health of Burrow’s thumb, Browning should be rostered by all Burrow dynasty owners just in case.
Cleveland Browns – Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston back in that #5 😂😂pic.twitter.com/1lkUqfzTs4
— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) May 28, 2024
Former first overall pick Jameis Winston has finally left his backup role in New Orleans behind to take the same job in Cleveland. The Browns have a plethora of quarterbacks behind Deshaun Watson, including former Baltimore backup Tyler Huntley and second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Winston has the edge from an experience level over the others on the roster. Since joining the Browns in 2022, Watson has only played in 12 games due to injuries and an off-the-field suspension. We saw Joe Flacco thrive in this spot a year ago -- roster Winston in deep Superflex leagues and be ready for it to pay off.
Baltimore Ravens – Josh Johnson
The Ravens are my top candidate to make a backup quarterback move before the season begins. Following the departure of Tyler Huntley, 38-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson projects as the direct backup to Lamar Jackson. Johnson has seen game action in just 39 games since being drafted in 2008. Baltimore drafted former North Carolina State and Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary in the sixth round, but his play style is different from Jackson’s. I am a fan of Leary’s game, but don’t see Baltimore rolling into the season with him as the top backup behind Jackson. With Lamar's play style and past injury history, backing him up with a capable quarterback is important and I expect Baltimore to make an addition to the roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Justin Fields
The Steelers revamped their quarterback room after suffering from poor QB play for years. Out with Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph -- in with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. All sources indicate that this job is Wilson’s while Fields spends time developing and growing his game on the bench. Wilson has regressed from his time in Seattle, but his play in Denver was not as bad as people made it seem and he could enjoy a career revival in Pittsburgh. With that being said, Fields is just 25 years old and has shown major flashes throughout his time in Chicago, but the weekly consistency hasn't been there. This could be as low as his dynasty value gets. Buy low, as I expect he will get another shot in the league somewhere.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for AFC South Teams
Indianapolis Colts – Joe Flacco
Former Browns QB and NFL Comeback Player of the Year winner Joe Flacco reached agreement with the Indianapolis Colts, per sources. It’s a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, including $4.5 million guaranteed. Flacco to Indy. pic.twitter.com/e9aNkQGfaG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024
Knowing the nature of Anthony Richardson’s game, which caused him to only play in four games as a rookie, having a strong backup quarterback option is essential. Gardner Minshew II nearly led Indianapolis to the playoffs last season and made a Pro Bowl. Now, last year’s Comeback Player of the Year is in a situation where he could potentially keep writing his story. If Richardson can’t stay healthy in Year 2, the 39-year-old Joe Flacco will be ready for another go-around. Richardson owners should have him on their roster in Superflex leagues just in case.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Mac Jones
Mac Jones Jacksonville Jaguars Mandatory Veteran Minicamp
📸-Jamal pic.twitter.com/4fw9W66Zcx— DEE SPORTS GUY (@DSports75727469) June 12, 2024
After a successful rookie season that saw him lead the Patriots to the playoffs, Jones could never keep up the momentum or consistency in New England. This offseason, he was shipped to Jacksonville to be Trevor Lawrence’s backup. Any dynasty value that Jones once had has now dissipated as he enters Year 4 of his career.
Tennessee Titans – Mason Rudolph
Nearly out of the NFL a year ago, Rudolph’s late-season run to the playoffs in Pittsburgh earned him another shot at sticking around in the league. The 28-year-old has a leg up on former third-rounder Malik Willis to be the guy behind Will Levis. Given Levis’ youth and inexperience, Rudolph is absolutely worth a stash after what he showed us down the stretch last season.
Houston Texans – Davis Mills
C.J. Stroud’s backup is a battle between Davis Mills and another former Houston starter, Case Keenum. They each started a game last season in place of Stroud, with Mills holding down the backup job to finish the season off. I’m going with the younger Mills to secure the job over 36-year-old Keenum, although neither option holds much dynasty value.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for NFC East Teams
Washington Commanders – Marcus Mariota
Jayden Daniels wasn’t picked second overall to be a backup -- the rookie should be the starter in Washington immediately. However, Daniels has a thin frame and was knocked by scouts for his running style. Daniels could be an injury risk at the next level, which would thrust journeyman Marcus Mariota under center. The 30-year-old is now on his fifth team since he was drafted in the first round in 2015. While he is a backup, Daniels owners would be wise to roster him in deep Superflex leagues.
Dallas Cowboys – Trey Lance
Cooper Rush held the backup job behind Dak Prescott all season in 2023. Now with a full season in the system under his belt, I’m betting on the talent of Lance, a former first-rounder who never really got a fair shot to start in the NFL. Lance is in a contract year, and Dallas would likely opt to see what it has in him if Prescott were to go down. Lance’s dynasty value has tanked since he entered the league in 2021, but he is still worth stashing on rosters given his upside in Dallas’ offense.
Philadelphia Eagles – Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett is reportedly "out-performing" Jalen Hurts throughout OTA's 👀 pic.twitter.com/hZJ4wvcafs
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) May 23, 2024
After losing Marcus Mariota in free agency, Philadelphia traded for Kenny Pickett to fill the backup void behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett was a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons in Pittsburgh but should be a capable backup quarterback. Given the skill players around him in Philly, Pickett could provide some fantasy value if Hurts were to miss any time. Pickett lost most of his dynasty value as he moved from a starter to a backup, but if Hurts misses any time, he would have a higher weekly ceiling in Philadelphia than he did in Pittsburgh.
New York Giants – Drew Lock
Daniel Jones is on a thin leash entering 2024, and New York backed him up accordingly with former second-rounder Drew Lock. Lock started a few games for Seattle last season, notably upsetting the Eagles in prime time. He completed 48-of-76 passes for 543 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. With Jones coming off a torn ACL, don’t be surprised if Lock gets some reps in 2024.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for NFC West Teams
San Francisco 49ers – Joshua Dobbs
Dobbs was one of the NFL’s fun stories a season ago. From being the opening-week starter for Arizona to being traded to Minnesota to fill in for an injured Kirk Cousins, Dobbs was the definition of a journeyman in 2023. He now finds himself in one of the most quarterback-friendly environments in the league -- behind Brock Purdy in San Francisco. There is no guarantee that the Passtronaut will see the field this year, but if Purdy goes down, he will have top-12 weekly upside in this offense.
Arizona Cardinals – Desmond Ridder
After two seasons in Atlanta, Ridder was shipped to Arizona to be Kyler Murray’s backup. The 24-year-old struggled last season as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, but he should have an edge over Clayton Tune to win the backup job on the Cardinals. Ridder has thrown for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions throughout his career.
Los Angeles Rams – Stetson Bennett
Jimmy Garoppolo will be Matthew Stafford’s backup for the majority of the season, but he will not be active in Week 1 due to a two-game suspension after violating the NFL’s PED policy.
With Garoppolo out, Stetson Bennett is on track to be the Week 1 backup. The back-to-back national champion at Georgia had a rough start to his NFL career, as he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list as a rookie for undisclosed reasons. Bennett is now back with the Rams and appears to have rejuvenated his passion for football after a year away from the game. It will be a long shot for him to get on the field this year, but both Stafford and Garoppolo have dealt with their fair share of injuries in the past.
Seattle Seahawks – Sam Howell
In case you missed it:
Brady Henderson said: "It's Geno Smith vs Sam Howell. There is a gap between those guys. There is not a quarterback competition between these guys, nor should it be based on what I've seen. Grubb demands a present and Geno Smith provides that. Sam Howell… pic.twitter.com/Zm3nm83qh2
— HawkMania (@hawkmania4) June 6, 2024
Sam Howell is a great long-term dynasty stash after being traded to Seattle this offseason. He had an up-and-down first season as a starter in Washington that ultimately ended with the decision to trade him following a complete regime change with ownership. The 23-year-old threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions while adding five rushing touchdowns in 2023. Howell now joins an exciting Seahawks offense behind an aging Geno Smith with a new regime at the helm. He likely gets a chance to play this year. Buy and stash Howell in dynasty leagues just in case he blows up.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for NFC North Teams
Chicago Bears – Austin Reed
Final day of OTAs for the Bears before they break for the summer.
Here’s Caleb Williams, feat. Austin Reed fighting off a cicada. pic.twitter.com/l4lmTwKFo7
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) June 12, 2024
The Bears’ backup quarterback situation is another that could see a veteran brought into the mix. Caleb Williams currently has no mentor on the roster, and this may be the worst backup situation in the league as things currently stand. Tyson Bagent, an undrafted free agent who started four games last season, is still on the roster. Veteran Brett Rypien has started a handful of games, including one for the Rams last season. I’m going with Austin Reed, the undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, to win the backup job.
Reed led the nation in passing in 2022 and displayed potential NFL talent during his time in the air raid offense. He has a higher ceiling than Bagent or Rypien and could end up on a Mike White-type career trajectory if all goes well. That being said, he currently offers no dynasty value since this job is far from won.
Detroit Lions – Hendon Hooker
The 2023 third-round pick still has not played an NFL snap, but Hooker is now fully rehabbed from the torn ACL that he suffered in 2022 at Tennessee. The 26-year-old is advanced in age for being only in his second year in the league after utilizing his extra college eligibility. Any hopes of him eventually starting in Detroit were squashed after Jared Goff’s thrilling 2023 season turned into a massive contract extension, but Hooker should slot in as the team's backup this year.
Green Bay Packers – Michael Pratt
A season after drafting last year’s backup, Sean Clifford, Green Bay opted to grab Tulane’s Michael Pratt in the seventh round. Pratt was impressive in college, winning the 2023 AAC Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 9,611 yards, 90 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions in his career and was touted as a potential mid-round prospect by scouts, but fell to the seventh round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pratt should be a solid insurance policy for Jordan Love in what should be an ascending offense.
Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy
Week 7 after the Bye Week is the perfect time for the @Vikings to start JJ McCarthy, if he doesn’t beat out Sam Darnold before the season.#Skol #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/qv10z1kh0z
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 21, 2024
Minnesota selected J.J. McCarthy as its eventual successor to Kirk Cousins, but it also grabbed former first-rounder Sam Darnold in free agency as a bridge/mentor. Darnold is reportedly outplaying McCarthy thus far and given that McCarthy is more of a raw prospect, I’m going with Darnold to start in Week 1 while McCarthy watches from the sidelines. He will more than likely take over by the end of the year if he isn’t the Day 1 starter, making him the most valuable dynasty asset on this list of all the backup quarterbacks.
Projected Week 1 Backup Quarterbacks for NFC South Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kyle Trask
The former Florida Gator lost last season’s battle with Baker Mayfield, but he returns in 2024 as Mayfield’s backup. Trask has seen very limited action throughout the first three seasons of his career, completing just 3-of-10 passes for 23 yards. The 26-year-old is not currently worth a spot on dynasty rosters at the moment.
Atlanta Falcons – Michael Penix Jr.
You CANT tell me Michael Penix Jr is NOT one of the Top 3 QB’s in this years class if you’ve actually broken down his film & watched him. If you say different, you don’t know ball.
He’s a magician out there. He put on a performance for the ages vs Texas in Sugar Bowl. pic.twitter.com/LhXI2TyYbM
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) April 2, 2024
I’m not sure that we will ever understand the Falcons’ head-scratching decision to draft Penix just a month after signing Kirk Cousins to a mega-deal. However, last season’s leader in college football passing will eventually start for this team. Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles, so there is no guarantee that he stays healthy. Penix is a very intriguing stash and holds significant long-term value since we know that Atlanta views him as the future of its organization under center.
Carolina Panthers – Andy Dalton
The Red Rifle started just one game in 2023, but he attempted 58 passes and threw for 361 yards and two scores. The 36-year-old is set to be Bryce Young’s backup again in 2024, a role that holds little dynasty value. Dalton can be picked up off waivers if Young does get hurt, but he can be left there for now.
New Orleans Saints – Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler letting it FLY 😳
Rattler has reportedly been “lighting it up” at Saints minicamp.
Some people around the league reportedly believe Rattler could see some playing time this season.
The Saints may have landed a STEAL. pic.twitter.com/ut1mZ702Ya
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 16, 2024
Hype is beginning to circulate for the fifth-round pick out of South Carolina. Rattler’s whirlwind of a college career saw him move from projected first-round pick to being the backup on his college team before transferring from Oklahoma to South Carolina. The rookie is in line to back up Derek Carr to start 2024, but with Carr’s mediocre play since joining the team last season, there could be an opportunity to get onto the field as early as this season even without an injury. Rattler is a high-upside stash and should be rostered in all Superflex dynasty formats. He was the very definition of a boom-or-bust draft pick.
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