Jake Browning, Gardner Minshew, Joshua Dobbs. What do those three players have in common? They were backup quarterbacks who stepped into the starting role and won you weeks for fantasy football last season. Zach Wilson, Tommy DeVito, and Easton Stick not as much.
Knowing which backup quarterbacks are worth picking up or even rostering during the NFL season can be the difference on a given week and those wins or losses can keep you out of the fantasy football playoffs or put you on the path for a championship.
In 2023, 66 different quarterbacks started games. That’s slightly down from the 68 we saw in 2022. We saw 62, 59, and 57 in 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively, and back in 2018 we had 70 different quarterbacks. Backup quarterbacks matter but they aren’t all created equally.
Backup Quarterback Grading System
Each backup quarterback will be given two grades. A-D on the likelihood they will play and 1-4 on how I project them to do if they do go under center
A– Very big chance they start. Around 85%. Usually, high-draft capital rookies are the heir apparent. Not a matter of if, but when
B– High chance they start. Around 60%. Usually, young quarterbacks might take over for veterans who have a history of poor play
C– Unlikely but not out of the questions they start. Around a 25% chance. The guy in front of them either has an injury history or is benched due to poor play
D– It’s highly unlikely they start without an injury in front of them. 10% chance. The starter is a stud and only an injury will give the backup quarterback a shot. Even with poor play the team has invested in them and will ride it out.
1– Solid QB1. They have the talent to be a starter and they have a team around them that will help make up for any deficiencies they have
2– Solid QB2- They either lack the talent or don’t have a solid team around them but they can still score points when called upon.
3– Streamer only- They have some skills and a good team around them. They will need a good matchup to be viable for your starting lineup
4– Avoid- They don’t have much talent or are unproven talent and the team around them is below average, even in a good matchup, they might not do well.
Backup Quarterback Potential Fantasy Football Impact
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Mitchell Trubisky- D3
Mitchell Trubisky comes back for his second stint and the backup quarterback for Josh Allen. This Bills team is very different than the one Trubisky saw in 2021. Yes, there has been a changeover in the receiving core but that shouldn’t matter. Trubisky has been okay with less. In the 60 games where he has attempted at least ten passes only 16 times has he not had a touchdown and five of those games came in his rookie season. There is a good chance Trubisky plays. Josh Allen has been very durable so far in his career but after 6 seasons of over 100 hits (rushes and sacks) it’s starting to add up. If Allen was less durable Trubisky would be a B or C but as it is right now it’s a D. Still worthy of picking up if he gets the chance and it’s a good matchup.
Miami Dolphins: Mike White- D3
Let’s face it Mike White isn’t that great of a quarterback. Both times he had substantial playing time he ended with more interceptions than touchdowns. The Dolphins just paid Tua Tagovailoa so he isn’t going anywhere. Yes, the concussions were a scare last year but he made it through just fine. The team around Mike White elevates him a little but I’m not sure if his skill set fits the scheme the Dolphins currently run. Skylar Thompson is the 3rd string guy who could possibly get more reps if needed.
New York Jets: Tyrod Taylor- C2
There is no reason to believe that Aaron Rodgers won’t play a full season. Yes, he is 40 years old and coming off an Achilles tear but that happened almost a full year ago. Rodgers’s age moves Tyrod Taylor up a rung on the likelihood scale. Given the team around him, I think Tyrod can do well. He is a solid vet who knows how to utilize different receivers. Tyrod may concede the backup quarterback role to rookie Jordan Travis who I think is a must-have sleeper in dynasty leagues.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye- A2
There is a really good chance that Drake Maye will lock up the starting job before the season starts. I think he came into the league pro ready but the smart move is to have him sit. If he does it won’t be for long. The New England Patriots know they aren’t going to be super competitive and are looking toward the future. Maye will have his growing pains but should be good enough to be in consideration week to week.
AFC West
Los Angeles Chargers: Easton Stick- C3
It’s crazy that Easton Stick is coming into his 6th year as an NFL player and has only attempted 175 passes all but one came last year when Justin Herbert missed four and a half games. Stick struggled last year only having a passing touchdown in one game. He did have three of them and added a rushing score the following week. The Chargers are a much different team this year with way less talented pass catchers. It’s a new coaching system the Stick will have to adapt to but if he is the starter I’m avoiding him unless it’s a great matchup. It’s possible that Max Duggan replaces Stick if head coach Jim Harbaugh sees something.
Kansas City Chiefs: Carson Wentz- D2
Let’s face it Patrick Mahomes never misses time. He hasn’t missed more than 25% of the snaps in a game since 2019. It doesn’t go well for Carson Wentz seeing the field. If Wentz does get out there I would be willing to roll him in my Superflex spot. He has shown the ability to have MVP-type games and seasons. He has to cut down on the mental mistakes and secure the ball but with a great coach in Andy Reid and the players around him, I expect them to position him to succeed if called upon.
Las Vegas Raiders: Aidan O’Connell- B1
I was expecting Aidan O’Connell to hold onto the starting job heading into the season but that didn’t happen. Having someone like Gardner Minshew who just helped the Colts not have a disaster of a season coming as the starter gives the Raiders the opportunity to start the season off strong. They have some good weapons catching the ball including future hall-of-famer Davante Adams so if O’Connell goes in he will be the top guy off waivers that week. He might be worth picking up now if you have the bench spot. The Raiders are on the bye in Week 10 so that could be the switching point.
Denver Broncos: Jarrett Stidham- B3
I believe the Broncos are going to go into the season with Bo Nix as the starter. It’s not what I would do but it’s what Sean Peyton will do. He will struggle at times but Courtland Sutton and Greg Dulcich can help cover some of that. It’s a solid team that is going to run the ball and build a playbook around Nix. Stidham has veteran experience to step in if the Broncos want to make a change and give Nix some time to learn. He isn’t a high-upside guy but could be a spot start on your fantasy football team.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Josh Johnson- B4
Josh Johnson has been in the NFL for 16 years. He only has 13 touchdowns over that time. His experience is what is keeping him in the league, not his skill. The Ravens don’t have a stacked receiving group that can elevate Johnson so I’m going to let my league mates pick up that grenade when Lamar ends up missing games like he has done every year.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Browning- C1
We saw last year that Jake Browning can be a solid fantasy player when called upon. He had three multi-touchdown games. Joe Burrow looks fully healthy so Browning will be on the sideline unless something happens. If Browning does come in he has shown it and still has two elite receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to throw to.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Fields- B2
I believe that Russell Wilson will be the starter in Week 1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think he can hold onto the job based on his play last year but the fans will be clamoring for Justin Fields at the first sign of struggle. The coaching staff might be not too far behind that. The team around Fields isn’t the best but his ability to use his legs to score fantasy points makes him a high-value asset. He is one of the few backup quarterbacks I’m willing to pick up and hold entering the season. Bye week is Week 9 so it could be a midseason change to see that they have in Fields.
Cleveland Browns: Jameis Winston- B3
It’s been a while since we have seen a good Jameis Winston. We have to go back to 2021 where he finished with 14 touchdowns in seven games and only three interceptions. It seemed like he had his choices of place to go this offseason and picked Cleveland to back up Deshaun Watson. Watson hasn’t looked right since coming back from suspension so maybe the Browns brought in Winston just in case. We saw Joe Flacco come in and be very good last season so Winston should be able to do half of that.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: Joe Flacco- B1
Last year was a shock to everyone. No one expected Joe Flacco to come out and have one of the best five-game stretches of his career. He is 39 years old but he seems to take care of his body enough that he will be available. Anthony Richardson has an injury history. His play style puts him at high risk of getting injured again. I put it at a good chance that Richardson will miss some time in 2023. You should be monitoring that and doing what you can to scoop Flacco up. The Colts have a better offense than what the Browns did last year.
Houston Texans: Davis Mills or Case Keenum- D2
The Houston Texans got their guy in C.J. Stroud. I don’t believe that whoever wins the backup quarterback job between Davis Mills and Case Keenum has a shot at starting without an injury. The good news is, that if they do the team around them is kind of stacked. They have three receivers who can be number one on most teams. They have a solid tight end and running backs who can catch. They have depth at the receiver as well. Both Mills and Keenum have the skill to operate the offense and produce quality fantasy football numbers when they play.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Mac Jones- D4
Jacksonville paid Trevor Lawrence. He isn’t getting benched no matter who mid he is. Mac Jones is just not good. He might have been good coming out but the metal side of the game seems wrecked. I don’t want any part of him as the Jags quarterback.
Tennessee Titans: Mason Rudolph- C4
I believe in Will Levis. Just bought his mayonnaise perfume. I think the Titans have given him not only the tool but the protection to take the next step. They brought in Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and Tyler Boyd. Yes, Levis is unproven but they picked him to be the guy. Mason Rudolph is a good backup but not good when he has to play. Avoid at all costs.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles: Kenny Pickett- D3
Jalen Hurts is a rushing quarterback but he hasn’t been around long enough to rack up enough hits that I’m worried about him missing significant time. So the odds that Kenny Pickett gets in are slim. The Eagles have three dynamic pass catchers A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. If Pickett is called on he can be okay in certain matchups. I would want him in close games where the Eagles can’t just run the ball all game.
New York Giants: Drew Lock- B2
The Giants should be regretting their decision to sign Daniel Jones to a massive contract last offseason. They got Drew Lock this year to be the backup quarterback and possibly take over. We all know Daniel Jones kind of stinks. He also hasn’t played a full season except for 2022. The Giants are on the come up with Malik Nabers now in the fold. Drew Lock can be serviceable when needed.
Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Rush or Trey Lance- C3
I believe that the backup quarterback role is Cooper Rush’s. Trey Lance would need to do a ton to become the backup for Dak Prescott. Dak needs a contract and while it should have already happened I don’t think that hinders his playing time this season. If Dak were to miss time I think Rush, (or Lance if you still believe) can be okay. Neither have a ton of experience but when you have CeeDee Lamb that covers a lot of flaws.
Washington Commander: Marcus Mariota- B2
The Washington Commanders are throwing rookie Jayden Daniels into the deep end and it’s sink or swim for him. I believe he will swim but injuries are the risk. He is a very mobile quarterback and that just opens him up for more hits. He also isn’t built like Josh Allen where he can absorb those hits. I think there is a good chance he gets banged up enough for Marcus Mariota to see games. Mariota hasn’t been stellar in his time but he has the experience to play well for a few games.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers: Joshua Dobbs- D2
The Passtornaut has a new home as he backs up Brock Purdy. The 49ers must love what they have with Purdy because they let every other asset at quarterback leave. The team is stacked so if Dobbs gets in he should be able to recapture that spark we saw briefly last year.
Los Angeles Rams: Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett- C3
Stafford is 36 years old which for a quarterback isn’t super old but he has never had the most mobility so plays older than he is. His wife has been very vocal about him possibly retiring with the injuries he has sustained over the past two years. It’s a good chance that someone else gets time. Now that could be veteran Jimmy Garoppolo or it could be sophomore Stetson Bennett. I would be higher on Bennett than Jimmy G. We forget that Bennett won two national championships. The only reason he wasn’t a higher draft pick is because of off-the-field and character issues. If he can straighten them out he could be gold for the Rams. Either way neither has high upside and are more of game managers who can help you out in a pinch. Solid NFL backup quarterbacks but probably not someone you want in fantasy football unless you have a good matchup and are desperate.
Arizona Cardinals: Desmond Ridder, Clayton Tune- C4
I don’t want to say Kyler Murray is injury prone but it’s been three years since he played a full season. So whoever gets the backup quarterback job between Desmond Ridder and Clayton Tune should see at least a few games of action this year. The bigger issue is not only their skill set which is not great but also the team around them that lacks established talent. Sure we hope Marvin Harrison Jr can be a superstar and that Michael Wilson can make us look smart as our sleeper but we haven’t seen it yet. Even Trey McBride only did it for half a season last year.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Howell- A2
Let’s face it, Geno Smith had a great 2022 season and then just an okay 2023 season. There is a reason he was a backup quarterback for most of his career. The Seahawks are gearing up for the future and Geno isn’t going to be a part of that. He is already dealing with some injuries so Sam Howell looks poised to step in. Howell was a fine starter last year for the Washington Commanders and getting an upgrade in offense will only help him shine. I’m targeting him in the last rounds of my draft.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers: Sean Clifford- D4
Jordan Love got the bag but proved he was worth it last year. They gave him the weapons to be great. Sean Clifford is just that good. He never had over 25 touchdowns in a single season in college at Penn State. Yes, there are weapons there but they aren’t the superstar caliber that can lift up subpar quarterback play. I’m not sure Jerry Rice could lift Clifford past a last-resort type play.
Chicago Bears: Tyson Bagent- D3
Heading into his second year it looks like a backup is all Tyson Bagent will ever be. Caleb Williams is the guy for the Chicago Bears and they are going to stick with him through thick and thin. Bagent has a team around him which would cover some of his weaknesses but considering he had six interceptions in four and a half games last season I don’t see a ton of upside or want to have him in fantasy football.
Detroit Lions: Hendon Hooker- D2
I really liked Hendon Hooker coming out of college but the injury dampened his draft stock and he fell to the Lions and now sits behind Jared Goff. The Lions are on the prowl for a Super Bowl so benching Goff makes no sense. Goff has played the past two seasons without missing time. If Hooker gets into the game I think what he did in college will shine especially with the talent on that team.
Minnesota Vikings: Nick Mullens- C2
We were robbed of a rookie year for J.J. McCarthy now being out with a knee injury. That leaves the Vikings with Nick Mullens as their backup. Sam Darnold should have a stranglehold on the starting job but his past performance leaves me wondering how long that actually lasts. Mullens played well at the end of last season. He’s not a start but he puts up enough yards and touchdowns to offset his mistakes, at least for fantasy.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Trask- D3
I have to take the L on Kyle Trask. I thought he was going to win the job last offseason but Baker proved me wrong. So there is no reason to believe that Trask will ever get a shot at playing no matter how bad the Bucs could end up. Given the talent on the team, it keeps Trask out of the completely avoided range but he is a risky play for fantasy if he starts a game.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix- B1
I was in the media room at the draft in Detroit when the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Penix with the 9th overall pick and shocked the world. It seems they never once brought it up with Kirk Cousins. We all had two questions. When does he start and once he does, does he ever give the job back? I think the second part is no. I had Penix as the best quarterback in that draft. The issue is WHEN. Given Kirk’s injury from last season, he is more susceptible to future injuries so I think there is a good chance Penix plays. When you spend high draft capital over three years on wide receiver (Drake London), running back (Bijan Robinson), and tight end (Kyle Pitts) it really doesn’t matter too much who is under center. Desmond Ridder managed to throw 12 touchdowns and he is close to being out of the league.
New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler- B2
I know most of you would expect to see Taysom Hill here but I truly believe that Spencer Rattler is the backup quarterback and the future quarterback for the Saints. Derek Carr’s contract sucks so benching him would cost a lot but the Saints need to start thinking about the future. When you have young talent at wide receiver you need a quarterback who can be consistent. Carr isn’t that but Rattler is.
Carolina Panthers: Andy Dalton- C2
The Carolina Panthers, for the second year, have pushed their chips all in on Bryce Young. They paid a ton to be able to draft him and now have spent in free agency to try to best equip him with weapons. I don’t think he gets benched but anything is possible with that owner. We could easily see new head coach Dave Canales get fired mid-season and whoever steps in turn to veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton was good back in 2022 for the New Orleans Saints and can be that for the Panthers.