Quarterback Conundrum: Why the NFL’s Worst QB Situations Will Define the 2024 Season

With the 2024 NFL season on the horizon, all eyes are on the quarterback position. While some teams boast MVP candidates and rising stars, others find themselves in precarious situations. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the murky waters of the NFL’s most troubling quarterback scenarios and explore the dire QB predicaments that could define the upcoming season for these teams.

The Bottom of the Barrel

We’ll start with the worst of the worst – the teams that are facing the biggest challenges under center. These teams have a mix of unproven rookies, aging veterans, and underwhelming backups that will make it difficult for them to compete in the 2024 season.

12. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons spent big during free agency, signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. However, they also selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, inviting unwarranted drama into Atlanta’s locker room. With Cousins’ hefty contract and Penix Jr.’s rookie status, the Falcons are in a tough spot.

11. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings traded up one pick for J.J. McCarthy during the 2024 draft, but the rookie has primarily worked behind veteran Sam Darnold in preseason workouts. With Cousins gone, it’s unclear who will start in Week 1.

10. New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr is now 33 years old, and his best days may be behind him. The Saints have added talent to the quarterbacks room in each of the past two drafts, including Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. However, it’s unclear if either of these young quarterbacks is ready to take the reins.

The Middle of the Pack

These teams have a mix of solid starters and questionable backups. While they may not be in the worst shape, they still have some work to do to solidify their quarterback positions.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers continue to say that Russell Wilson will likely begin the year as their starting quarterback, with Justin Fields backing him up. However, Wilson’s age and Fields’ inexperience make this a precarious situation.

8. Tennessee Titans

The Titans offense is expected to take a step this fall, but Will Levis needs to elevate the group. With new HC Brian Callahan in the building, the onus is on Levis to perform.

7. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson made a strong early impression as a rookie last season, but his campaign ended in Week 5 due to injury. With Joe Flacco as his backup, the Colts need Richardson to stay healthy.

The Top of the Heap

These teams have solid starters and decent backups. While they may not be perfect, they’re in a better position than most teams in the league.

6. New England Patriots

The Patriots have a solid starter in Jacoby Brissett and a promising backup in Drake Maye. With a strong defense and a good coach, the Patriots are in a good position.

5. Denver Broncos

The Broncos have a retooled roster and a new signal-caller in Bo Nix. With a strong defense and a good coach, the Broncos are looking to make a deep playoff run.

4. Cleveland Browns

The Browns have a solid starter in Deshaun Watson, but his backup, Jameis Winston, is unproven. With a strong defense and a good coach, the Browns are looking to make a deep playoff run.

3. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have a solid starter in Bryce Young, but his backup, Andy Dalton, is aging. With a strong defense and a good coach, the Panthers are looking to make a deep playoff run.

2. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have a solid starter in Gardner Minshew II, but his backup, Aidan O’Connell, is unproven. With a strong defense and a good coach, the Raiders are looking to make a deep playoff run.

1. New York Giants

The Giants have a solid starter in Daniel Jones, but his backup, Drew Lock, is unproven. With a strong defense and a good coach, the Giants are looking to make a deep playoff run.

Conclusion

The NFL’s worst QB situations will define the 2024 season. With a mix of unproven rookies, aging veterans, and underwhelming backups, these teams will struggle to compete. However, with solid starters and decent backups, some teams are in a better position than others. As the season progresses, we’ll see which teams can overcome their quarterback conundrums and make a deep playoff run.