Patrick Mahomes has been the face of NFL greatness for years, with three Super Bowl championships and an incredible 15-1 record this season for the Kansas City Chiefs. If you were building a franchise from scratch, it’s hard to imagine taking anyone other than the Chiefs’ superstar under center. But as the 2024 NFL season winds down, some fans and analysts are starting to wonder: Is Mahomes still the best player in the league?
A growing number of voices believe the title now belongs to Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise quarterback. After Burrow’s electrifying performance in an overtime victory against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, the debate has only intensified.
The Case for Joe Burrow
Burrow, the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU, has been on an absolute tear this season. In the Bengals’ thrilling 34-28 win over the Broncos, Burrow threw for a staggering 412 yards and three touchdowns. He currently leads the NFL in passing yards (4,641) and passing touchdowns (42) and ranks third in QBR with a rating of 76.6. His poise, precision, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him the admiration of fans, analysts, and even rival players.
Burrow’s head coach, Zac Taylor, didn’t hold back in his praise after Saturday’s win.
“I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and not say that he’s the best player in the world,” Taylor said. “I would not trade Joe Burrow for any player in the universe, and to me, that’s the definition of an MVP.”
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Fans and Analysts Chime In
Many NFL fans are starting to align with Taylor’s bold statement. Social media was abuzz following Burrow’s latest heroics, with many declaring him the new gold standard for NFL quarterbacks.
- “They’ll probably give the MVP to Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, but Joe Burrow is the best player in the league right now,” tweeted a former NFL player.
- ESPN analyst Ryan Clark shared a similar sentiment: “I know I’m being a prisoner of the moment, but man, Joe Burrow looks like the best player in ball right now! He operates so efficiently.”
- Another fan chimed in: “Joe Burrow has been the best quarterback in the NFL this year. The Bengals defense just sucks.”
Even Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons joined the chorus, advocating for Burrow’s MVP case.
“If Joe Burrow takes this team to the playoffs, I don’t even think it should be in question who’s MVP!! Goddamn! Best in the world right now!” Parsons tweeted.
The Mahomes vs. Burrow Debate
While Burrow has been sensational, it’s worth noting that Mahomes is still playing at an elite level. He has guided the Chiefs to the best record in the AFC and remains a game-changing force every time he takes the field. Mahomes’ versatility, creativity, and knack for winning in big moments have been unmatched throughout his career.
However, the MVP race is often about the narrative, and Burrow’s rise to prominence this season, despite the Bengals’ struggles, has captivated the football world. His ability to elevate those around him, combined with his gaudy statistics, makes him a legitimate contender for the league’s top individual honor.
What’s Next?
The Bengals, now 9-7, face a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. To secure a playoff berth, Cincinnati will also need help from other teams: a Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Denver Broncos and losses by both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.
For Burrow, a strong performance in Week 18 and a playoff berth could cement his status as the NFL’s new best player in the eyes of many. As for Mahomes, his legacy as a three-time Super Bowl champion and perennial MVP contender ensures he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
The battle for the title of “best player in the NFL” might not have a definitive answer, but one thing is clear: Joe Burrow has entered the conversation in a big way, and Patrick Mahomes has real competition for the throne.
