Joe Burrow Voted to Win MVP Award over Josh Allen, Mahomes, Jackson by NFL Execs

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was the narrow MVP favorite from NFL coaches and executives canvassed by The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

Burrow received nine of the 30 votes, one more than Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (six votes) and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (five votes) were next on the list.

"Burrow just delivered the best training camp of his career, quietly guiding the Bengals into a highly anticipated season while staving off the summer injury bug that's hit him in previous years," Howe wrote. "That's why the voters believe Burrow will overtake Allen for the award."

Burrow will presumably have the MVP narrative on his side as well if Cincinnati is competitive.

The two-time Pro Bowler finished fourth in last year's voting despite the Bengals missing the playoffs because writers recognized how bad the team would've been without him leading the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43).

There's a new defensive coordinator (Al Golden), and star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson is sticking around for at least one more season. Still, Cincy's quest for the postseason will likely require Burrow to throw for 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns again. A defense that ranked 25th in yards and points allowed didn't make a lot of outside improvements.

If Burrow does have his eyes on a first MVP, then the Bengals will need to avoid their penchant for slow starts. They lost their first two games in 2022, started 1-3 in 2023, and then dropped their first three to open 2024.

Burrow's MVP campaign might run aground if Cincinnati is having to dig out of an early hole and eventually scrapes into the playoffs through the wild card.