Injured Patrick Mahomes: Ranking backup quarterbacks for projected NFL playoff teams, including Chiefs’ Carson Wentz

1 One of the reasons Mahomes could sit and rest for a week or two is the fact that Wentz has a wealth of experience as a starter, giving Kansas City a capable hand with a No. 1 playoff seed at his disposal. scope. Yes, he went down in multiple stops due to his penchant for reckless shooting, but he still has a great frame and a great arm, with nearly 100 NFL games under his belt. His brief action late in the year with the Los Angeles Rams to close out 2023 confirmed that he is a high-potential replacement for a contending lineup. 2 The 33-year-old hasn’t played for the Rams yet, but he’s been there, done that, at almost the highest level. Durability is an issue, especially behind an inconsistent front, but Garoppolo has proven capable of leading a run-first, play-first attack, reaching two NFC title games with the rival San Francisco 49ers. That great gaming experience can’t be found everywhere. 3 The former Chicago Bears first-rounder suffered an abdominal injury in Week 15, but if he returns soon, he becomes an especially intriguing No. 2. Electric but erratic as a full-timer in the Windy City, he settled down as more of a ball-control operator to open his debut with the Steelers, going 4-2 before Russell Wilson’s entry as QB1. His athleticism alone gives him a relatively high floor. 4 Saddled with poor setups as a Tennessee Titans prospect, Willis found new life as Jordan Love’s backup this year, excelling as the efficient figurehead of a run-heavy Matt LaFleur scheme during Love’s two different injury-related absences. He still has to face a constant barrage of testing as a top pitcher while in Green Bay, but his physical tools and comfort in the system are big pluses. 5 He was more rough than reliable in two seasons as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and has yet to see any significant action as Jalen Hurts’ No. 2 in Philadelphia, but Pickett has the benefit of playing for an offense equipped with top-notch playmakers. level in Basically all positions. With decent mobility and that kind of support, it stands to reason that he would provide competition if asked. 6 The former third-rounder hasn’t started a game in two years, and was a streaky pocket passer when called upon, with 35 touchdowns in 25 picks, but Mills consistently showed a resilient attitude while working with a very supportive cast. poorer. than the one you have now. 7 The last time Mariota was pushed into a starting role, he became a placeholder for the Atlanta Falcons, struggling to find a rhythm as a passer. In truth, it has always been dispersed through the air. His legs are still a weapon, though, and that’s perfect for Washington’s run-heavy script. 8 At 38 years old, and having traveled extensively as an official substitute, Johnson can start a game in trouble like no other. Man has knowledge of almost all the systems that exist. However, he hasn’t won a start in six years and has thrown three passes in the last three seasons. 9 Once hailed as a future starter by Sean Payton, the former New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders prospect was useful, if unspectacular, after replacing Russell Wilson on the bench at the end of 2023. He is just 1-3 as a starter among three teams. 10 Heinicke, a folk hero in Washington for a valiant playoff effort against the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, definitely has an underdog’s style, but has struggled to control the ball on every extended down. He has thrown just three passes with the Chargers. 11 Now in his second stint as Josh Allen’s backup in Buffalo, Trubisky didn’t fare well in a brief stint 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 While the Vikings made a splash on the practice squad 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 most likely backup from Sam Darnold. He is a brave, if unnecessarily risky, pitcher. 13 Considered a potential first-rounder out of Tennessee, Hooker took his first NFL snaps this October in relief of Jared Goff. It’s a total projection, having thrown just nine passes in his career. 14 The former Florida product has prototypical size, but in nearly four full seasons with the team, he has gone just 4-for-11 in almost no relief work, although he has sat behind some accomplished veterans.