The Growing Importance of Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL

The 2025 NFL season has been anything but conventional, with many top-tier teams failing to meet expectations. One of the most significant takeaways from this unpredictable year is the immense value of having a reliable backup quarterback. As several teams have discovered, the absence of a capable QB2 can be catastrophic, and the AFC Championship game was just one of many examples that highlighted this reality.

In the AFC Championship, the Denver Broncos faced off against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium. Despite a stellar defensive performance that limited the Patriots to just 10 points, the Broncos fell short, losing the game and their chance to face the NFC champion in Super Bowl LX. This outcome left fans wondering what could have been if starting quarterback Bo Nix had remained healthy.

Nix had a strong second season in the NFL, leading the Broncos to a 14-3 record and securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, his season came to an abrupt end when he suffered a fractured ankle during the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills. With Nix out, the Broncos were forced to rely on Jarrett Stidham, who hadn’t thrown an NFL pass in over two years. This situation underscored a critical issue: the difficulty of finding a competent backup quarterback.

The Consequences of Losing a Starting Quarterback

The Kansas City Chiefs experienced similar challenges when Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL in Week 15 against the L.A. Chargers. Without Mahomes, the Chiefs’ offense collapsed, leading to a series of losses that ultimately ended their playoff hopes. The team’s struggles included a 17-point loss to the Tennessee Titans and a heartbreaking two-point defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders.

This pattern wasn’t unique to the AFC West. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts all faced difficulties when their starting quarterbacks were sidelined. Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, and Daniel Jones were all crucial to their respective teams’ success, and their absence led to immediate declines in performance.

The Challenges of Relying on Backup Quarterbacks

Finding a backup quarterback who can step in and perform at a high level is rare. The Houston Texans managed to find some success with Davis Mills under center, but this was largely due to their strong defense and Mills’ ability to avoid turnovers. For most teams, however, the loss of a starting quarterback leads to a steep drop in performance.

The Chiefs’ situation is particularly concerning as they now face uncertainty about Mahomes’ return from his ACL injury. Gardner Minshew, their backup quarterback, also suffered an injury early in the season, leaving the team without a viable option. With Minshew on a one-year deal, the Chiefs are entering the offseason with more questions than answers at the quarterback position.

The Impact on the Broncos and Other Teams

For the Broncos, the loss of Nix has been a painful reminder of the importance of having a reliable backup. While Stidham did his best in a high-pressure situation, it’s clear that the team would have benefited from a more prepared QB2. This experience has left the Broncos feeling the sting of missed opportunities for the foreseeable future.

Other teams have also felt the consequences of relying on inadequate backups. The Chiefs, in particular, know the pain of being unprepared for a quarterback injury, but the Broncos are currently feeling it the most. This lesson, though difficult, is one that every NFL team should take seriously.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL season has shown that the value of a backup quarterback cannot be overstated. As teams continue to navigate the challenges of injuries and unexpected setbacks, having a capable QB2 is more important than ever. The experiences of the Broncos, Chiefs, and other teams serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved when a starting quarterback is unavailable. In the NFL, preparation and depth are key, and the lessons learned this season will likely shape the strategies of teams for years to come.