AFC West backup quarterback panic meter

"Next man up." During the 2023 season, some NFL coaches will need to heed that motto at quarterback, the most important position in the sport. If a team doesn't have an adequate backup when a starter goes down, a season can implode.

On a scale of one to five, with one being the highest level of panic, here's where AFC West teams stand at backup QB.

Denver Broncos 

BACKUPS: Jarrett Stidham, Ben DiNucci |  Stidham might have more talent than the average backup. Last season against the 49ers — the league's top scoring defense — the 26-year-old impressed in his first career start. He threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns and posted a 108.1 passer rating in a 37-34 Raiders loss.

After Denver signed him to a two-year deal this offseason, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, "We think [Stidham] can become an NFL starter." Payton is a QB guru, so Stidham could improve under him. Given his inexperience, however, Denver clearly would prefer nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson's return to form after a disastrous 2022. (PANIC METER: 3)

Kansas City Chiefs

BACKUPS: Blaine Gabbert, Shane Buechele, Chris Oladokun |  Losing two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes for a substantial amount of time could be devastating. But the Chiefs are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Kansas City signed Gabbert, a former first-round pick, to a one-year deal in the offseason. In 11 seasons, Gabbert has logged 48 starts but has a losing record (13-35) as a starter.

Nonetheless, HC Andy Reid knows how to adjust with a backup QB, as evidenced by a 27-20 divisional-round victory against Jacksonville last season. Mahomes exited the game briefly with an ankle injury. Then backup Chad Henne led a 98-yard TD drive. (PANIC METER: 3)

Las Vegas Raiders 

BACKUPS: Brian Hoyer, Aidan O'Connell, Chase Garbers |  The Raiders might have to rely on a backup at some point because starter Jimmy Garoppolo is injury prone. Over the past five seasons, he has missed 31 games with injuries that include an ACL tear, broken foot and high ankle sprains. Las Vegas' backup options inspire little confidence.

Hoyer would probably take over if Jimmy G suffered another injury. The 37-year-old has a 16-24 starting record and a 59.4 completion percentage in 15 seasons. The Raiders could also roll with O'Connell, a fourth-round pick (No. 135 overall), but the rookie out of Purdue offers little upside now. (PANIC METER: 2)

Los Angeles Chargers

BACKUPS: Easton Stick, Max Duggan |  If star QB Justin Herbert missed a significant amount of time, Los Angeles' season would be torpedoed. Stick, 27, has only thrown one pass in his NFL career, so he's not ready to start. Duggan was a 2022 Heisman finalist at TCU, but the seventh-round pick (No. 239 overall) only completed 60.3 percent of his passes in three seasons with the Horned Frogs.

The Chargers roster is talented, with offensive playmakers such as running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Los Angeles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is a sharp offensive mind and can mentor an inexperienced QB. Nevertheless, the lack of viable options would severely limit the organization's ability to win games without Herbert. (PANIC METER: 1)