The Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, started the season by inking its franchise quarterback a blockbuster trade but their misfortune started at the very start of the season following the signal-caller’s calf injury. However, the team didn’t slip further; instead, it showcased the biggest comeback in the 2023 NFL season.
From 1-3 to 5-3, the Bengals have established themselves as a new threat in the run of achieving the Super Bowl title this year. Though Burrow has again faced a setback following his latest injury in the match against the Buffalo Bills, his record-breaking performance in the past few weeks is enough to give him the title of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) nod.
Why is Joe Burrow a legitimate 2023 NFL MVP candidate?
Burrow finished No. 4 in MVP voting last year, and according to Fox Sports, he has the fifth-best odds to secure the title in 2023, at +700. The Bengals were constantly losing matches when Burrow was hit by the injury setback, but their losing streak disappeared as he took the lead.
If the Cincinnati-based franchise ends up winning the AFC North, the dual-threat is projected to solidify his position more to grab the MVP title. Chris Broussard co-host of “First Things First,” said he is ready to give the Cincy star a shot at securing the accolade.
“Absolutely. “[Burrow is] really in this race. For one, there is no definitive leader [for MVP] right now… Look, if [the Bengals] keep getting better, his narrative is going to be the best one, so he’s definitely got a shot.”
According to Fox Sports, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is the favorite to win MVP as of now, at +275. Hurts is in the second spot with +300, while Baltimore Ravens dual-threat Lamar Jackson is behind him with +400. The Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa is only a spot ahead of Burrow at +650.
Myles Garrett explains why Joe Burrow beats Lamar Jackson
Earlier in the week, during his appearance on the “Up and Adams” show, Garrett gave his nod in favor of Joe while picking up the potential MVP winner from the AFC North. He said the signal-caller has the edge over Jackson to secure the title.
The Browns star explained why he feels that way, mentioning Joe Cool’s consistency and admirable approach. Garrett backed up his thoughts on Friday, saying the Cincinnati star has shown a higher level of skill this season, making him stand out more than Jackson.
“He’s produced at a higher level at this point in his career even though Lamar has an MVP, and he’s more dynamic at what he does, but I think the results that Burrow has come up with speak for themselves. Not saying that can’t change any given day, but I’d give Burrow the nod for what he’s been able to accomplish, he said via CBS Sports.
Burrow completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,861 yards, throwing 12 touchdowns and four interceptions, and carried the ball 25 times for 61 yards. In the last two games, he scored five touchdowns and had a remarkable 77.6% completion rate, truly playing at an MVP level.
Do you also think that Joe Cool deserves an MVP title this year? Tell us in the comments.