Most of the names on this list are fairly well-known quarterbacks. They already had their shot at being starters in the NFL, and their career journey has settled them into the role of backup.
Jake Browning has really come out of nowhere, though.
The 27-year-old went undrafted in 2019 and spent two seasons on the bottom of the Vikings roster for two seasons before catching on with the Bengals in 2021. However, his first action came in Week 1 for Cincinnati when he threw one pass.
His second game action came in Week 11 after Joe Burrow injured his wrist in the first half of a Thursday Night Football game against the Ravens. After putting up a modest stat line against the Steelers, it looked like the Bengals' playoff hopes were done.
Then, the last two weeks happened.
Browning has led the Bengals to two consecutive 34-point games in the last two weeks in wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. Both opponents would be in the playoffs if they started today.
If you allow for the small sample size, the Washington product is third in the league in adjusted EPA per play among all QBs this season. Brock Purdy is No. 1, with Dak Prescott sitting at No. 2.
Browning isn't just being a serviceable backup. He's given his team elite play against two solid opponents.
Unfortunately, the Bengals only have about an 18.5 percent chance to make the playoffs, per Sumer Sports. Their work is cut out for them and Browning just has too small of a sample size to rely on, which keeps him out of the No. 1 spot.
