Joe Burrow has quietly become one of the more polarizing players in the NFL. The 29-year-old has had some significant ups and downs throughout his six-year career. Burrow is a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time Comeback Player of the Year, and has a Super Bowl appearance to his name, yet has not seen the postseason since 2022. Injuries have been a significant factor, along with the defense, for him and the team reaching their peak. Burrow suited up for just eight games last year after suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2, which held him out until a Week 13 return.
But when Burrow is physically healthy and playing to his peak, he is unquestionably one of the most talented players in football. It sounds strange based on the accomplishments he has to his name, but is this a prove-it type year for the Bengals’ star?
Burrow is currently listed as the third-favorite in the MVP market, trailing Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, at +850 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Why Joe Burrow Will win the 2026 NFL MVP:
Joe Burrow last played a fully healthy season in 2024. He posted a 70.2% completion percentage, led the league with 4,918 passing yards, threw an NFL-best 43 passing touchdowns, and had just nine interceptions. The LSU product also added 201 rushing yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Unfortunately, Cincinnati missed the playoffs outright with their 9-8 record as defensive problems weighed down the team in a major way. The Bengals finished the year ranked 25th in opponents’ points allowed, 25th in total yards conceded, and allowed the third-most passing touchdowns in the league. Despite the failure to qualify for the postseason, Burrow finished fourth in regular season MVP voting, earning 16.7% of the voting share and finishing behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Saquon Barkley.
Team success tends to bring attention to individual accolades. If the Bengals can return to the conversation for best team in the league, expect their star quarterback to see plenty of buzz with this. Burrow also finished fourth in MVP voting in 2022. He did not have nearly as eye-popping stats, but the Bengals cruised to a 12-4 record on their way to losing in the Conference Finals, and he was recognized for his role in this.
Burrow has been pretty open with his frustration with the franchise and how much it has worn on him as last year went downhill. He worked to come back from injury as soon as possible, and Cincinnati went 5-3 in the eight games he was able to suit up for. The Bengals’ defensive issues became even more prominent last year, as the team finished ranked 30th in opponent points allowed, 31st in yards conceded, and gave up more rushing yards than any team in the league.
But the pressure from the franchise quarterback led to some notable roster results, which should change the outlook for the Bengals in a major way. Cincinnati made it a clear priority to upgrade the defense, bringing in safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Duggar. Defensive End Boye Mafe was a major addition, and they traded their first-round pick for Dexter Lawrence, who should be a huge improvement in their outlook for stopping the run. They also drafted another edge rusher, Cashius Howell, in the second round. The biggest concern was allowing Trey Hendrickson to hit free agency and sign within the division, but the defensive results were not good enough with him, and this was a necessary financial decision.
Increasing the level of defensive resistance will play a major role in the Bengals’ pathway to team success. Burrow has a fire lit under him and the talent to execute. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins still headline the passing attack, and will continue to have a case for the best WR duo in the league. The Bengals remain a pass-first attack, and if Burrow can lead the league in passing yards and touchdowns int he same way, it is tough to argue anything outside of him being deserving of MVP.
Burrow has shown his resiliency and ability to respond to pressure plenty of times already in his young career. This is a pivotal season for the star quarterback, and expect him to respond with his best effort. Even while he has been near the top of the conversations for the best quarterbacks in the league, the clock is ticking for him to have more playoff success. In addition, Mike Tomlin stepping down from the Steelers should make the pathway to the playoffs a bit clearer, even if it will remain a competitive division. Cincinnati will benefit from a friendly schedule due to their postseason absence, and will have the third-ranked schedule based on opponents’ win/loss percentage last year.
Burrow has finished top four in MVP voting in two of his six seasons in the NFL, and there is a fair case that this is the best roster that has been assembled around him. He put pressure on the organization to make the defense better, and it is now the LSU product’s time to respond. Expect him to be as motivated as ever and for his best football to still be ahead of him with this car as a major target.
