In fact, we\u2019re seeing around 60 quarterbacks hit the field every season thanks to mid-game swaps or temporary fixes. Last weekend, fans got a full display of this revolving door, with teams like the Browns, Colts, Commanders, and Raiders all turning to their backup plans. Some teams are ready to roll with a seasoned vet or promising young backup, while others\u2026 well, not so much.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s break down which teams have the best depth at quarterback \u2013 and who\u2019s most prepared for the next shake-up. Here\u2019s a look at the teams that can survive a QB switch and keep their season on track.<\/p>\n
5. Cincinnati Bengals<\/h2>\n![\"NFL](\"https:\/\/www.totalprosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Joe-Burrow-5-1024x753.jpg\")
Bengals QB Joe Burrow (Image Credit: Getty Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Bengals discovered a gem in Jake Browning, who went 4-3 as a starter last season after\u00a0Joe Burrow<\/a>\u2019s season-ending injury. Browning led the NFL in completion percentage (70.4%) in 2023, an impressive stat that demonstrates his accuracy and effectiveness in clutch situations. Projected over a full season, he was on pace to throw for nearly 4,400 yards and 30 touchdowns, making him one of the league\u2019s most efficient backups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWith Logan Woodside in reserve, the Bengals have a dependable depth chart. Browning\u2019s performance proved that he can step in and deliver, making Cincinnati one of the few teams with a reliable backup who can shoulder a season\u2019s workload if needed.<\/p>\n
4. New York Jets<\/h2>\n![\"NFL](\"https:\/\/www.totalprosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Tyrod-Taylor-2-1024x683.jpg\")
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor (Image Credit: Getty Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe New York Jets brought in Tyrod Taylor to back up\u00a0Aaron Rodgers<\/a>, offering a veteran presence with\u00a0ample experience<\/a>. Taylor\u2019s skill set\u2014reliable passing, mobility, and a strong football IQ\u2014helps him seamlessly fit into the Jets\u2019 offense. Though the team is currently struggling at 2-5, Taylor provides stability behind Rodgers. Taylor\u2019s 58 career starts and an 88.5 passer rating reflect his ability to make safe, smart decisions with the football.<\/p>\nAdrian Martinez, a UFL MVP, adds an intriguing layer to the Jets\u2019 QB room. Rookie Jordan Travis, although injured, could develop into a promising asset. The Jets have thoughtfully cultivated a quarterback room that can pivot when necessary without a major drop in quality.<\/p>\n
3. Kansas City Chiefs<\/h2>\n![\"NFL](\"https:\/\/www.totalprosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Patrick-Mahomes-8-1024x563.jpg\")
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (Image Credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/em><\/em>Kansas City\u2019s quarterback room centers around superstar Patrick Mahomes, but the Chiefs are prepared if he\u2019s sidelined. Former Pro Bowler Carson Wentz backs him up, providing Kansas City with a high-level backup quarterback with substantial starting experience. Wentz\u2019s career journey\u2014from near-MVP level with the Eagles to stints with the Colts and Rams\u2014has given him a wealth of knowledge, and he appears to have developed a more measured approach to the game.<\/p>\n
Head Coach Andy Reid has a way of getting the best from his players, so don\u2019t be surprised if Wentz looks rejuvenated when his number is called. Chris Oladokun on the practice squad gives the Chiefs a developmental option, creating depth that could become valuable down the road.<\/p>\n
2. Indianapolis Colts<\/h2>\n![\"NFL](\"https:\/\/www.totalprosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Joe-Flacco-1024x743.jpg\")
Colts QB Joe Flacco (Image Credit: Getty Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIndianapolis struck backup gold with 39-year-old Joe Flacco. The former Super Bowl MVP has been crucial in filling in for rookie Anthony Richardson. In 2023, Flacco\u2019s unexpected comeback led the Cleveland Browns into the playoffs, and he\u2019s displayed a similar level of consistency with the Colts. Flacco\u2019s stats this season\u2014102.2 passer rating, 65.7% completion rate\u2014showcase his ability to simplify the game with experience. His outings have produced impressive results, and his rocket arm has kept defenses guessing.<\/p>\n
With Sam Ehlinger waiting in the wings, the Colts have the flexibility to maintain steady offensive output. Although Richardson is the future, Flacco\u2019s presence offers Indianapolis invaluable experience and an immediate impact under center.<\/p>\n
1. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/h2>\n![\"NFL](\"https:\/\/www.totalprosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Justin-Fields-5-1024x683.jpg\")
Steelers QB Justin Fields (Image Credit: Getty Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Steelers boast a unique quarterback room. While Russell Wilson led them to a 4-2 start in his debut season in Pittsburgh, they also have\u00a0Justin Fields<\/a>\u2014a capable, mobile quarterback who provides a solid alternative under center. Fields and Wilson are both scheduled to hit free agency after this season, which means Pittsburgh could have a difficult decision to make. Head Coach Mike Tomlin appears thrilled with both options, and it\u2019s rare for a team to have two proven QBs who can contribute right away. Fields\u2019 running ability and Wilson\u2019s veteran acumen provide Pittsburgh with a dynamic and reliable QB depth.<\/p>\n\nBackup Kyle Allen, who has started 19 games, rounds out the depth chart as QB3, ensuring that Pittsburgh has multiple ways to sustain an effective offense if injuries or other issues arise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Bengals discovered a gem in Jake Browning, who went 4-3 as a starter last season after\u00a0Joe Burrow<\/a>\u2019s season-ending injury. Browning led the NFL in completion percentage (70.4%) in 2023, an impressive stat that demonstrates his accuracy and effectiveness in clutch situations. Projected over a full season, he was on pace to throw for nearly 4,400 yards and 30 touchdowns, making him one of the league\u2019s most efficient backups.<\/p>\n With Logan Woodside in reserve, the Bengals have a dependable depth chart. Browning\u2019s performance proved that he can step in and deliver, making Cincinnati one of the few teams with a reliable backup who can shoulder a season\u2019s workload if needed.<\/p>\n The New York Jets brought in Tyrod Taylor to back up\u00a0Aaron Rodgers<\/a>, offering a veteran presence with\u00a0ample experience<\/a>. Taylor\u2019s skill set\u2014reliable passing, mobility, and a strong football IQ\u2014helps him seamlessly fit into the Jets\u2019 offense. Though the team is currently struggling at 2-5, Taylor provides stability behind Rodgers. Taylor\u2019s 58 career starts and an 88.5 passer rating reflect his ability to make safe, smart decisions with the football.<\/p>\n Adrian Martinez, a UFL MVP, adds an intriguing layer to the Jets\u2019 QB room. Rookie Jordan Travis, although injured, could develop into a promising asset. The Jets have thoughtfully cultivated a quarterback room that can pivot when necessary without a major drop in quality.<\/p>\n <\/em><\/em>Kansas City\u2019s quarterback room centers around superstar Patrick Mahomes, but the Chiefs are prepared if he\u2019s sidelined. Former Pro Bowler Carson Wentz backs him up, providing Kansas City with a high-level backup quarterback with substantial starting experience. Wentz\u2019s career journey\u2014from near-MVP level with the Eagles to stints with the Colts and Rams\u2014has given him a wealth of knowledge, and he appears to have developed a more measured approach to the game.<\/p>\n Head Coach Andy Reid has a way of getting the best from his players, so don\u2019t be surprised if Wentz looks rejuvenated when his number is called. Chris Oladokun on the practice squad gives the Chiefs a developmental option, creating depth that could become valuable down the road.<\/p>\n Indianapolis struck backup gold with 39-year-old Joe Flacco. The former Super Bowl MVP has been crucial in filling in for rookie Anthony Richardson. In 2023, Flacco\u2019s unexpected comeback led the Cleveland Browns into the playoffs, and he\u2019s displayed a similar level of consistency with the Colts. Flacco\u2019s stats this season\u2014102.2 passer rating, 65.7% completion rate\u2014showcase his ability to simplify the game with experience. His outings have produced impressive results, and his rocket arm has kept defenses guessing.<\/p>\n With Sam Ehlinger waiting in the wings, the Colts have the flexibility to maintain steady offensive output. Although Richardson is the future, Flacco\u2019s presence offers Indianapolis invaluable experience and an immediate impact under center.<\/p>\n The Steelers boast a unique quarterback room. While Russell Wilson led them to a 4-2 start in his debut season in Pittsburgh, they also have\u00a0Justin Fields<\/a>\u2014a capable, mobile quarterback who provides a solid alternative under center. Fields and Wilson are both scheduled to hit free agency after this season, which means Pittsburgh could have a difficult decision to make. Head Coach Mike Tomlin appears thrilled with both options, and it\u2019s rare for a team to have two proven QBs who can contribute right away. Fields\u2019 running ability and Wilson\u2019s veteran acumen provide Pittsburgh with a dynamic and reliable QB depth.<\/p>\n Backup Kyle Allen, who has started 19 games, rounds out the depth chart as QB3, ensuring that Pittsburgh has multiple ways to sustain an effective offense if injuries or other issues arise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n4. New York Jets<\/h2>\n
3. Kansas City Chiefs<\/h2>\n
2. Indianapolis Colts<\/h2>\n
1. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/h2>\n