The NFL MVP race is heating up, and while much of the spotlight is focused on the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor believes the true best player in football is none other than his quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Burrow, who has been battling through an up-and-down season with the Bengals on the playoff bubble, delivered another masterful performance in Saturday’s dramatic overtime victory. The star quarterback threw for a staggering 412 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns, solidifying his status as the Bengals’ cornerstone. After the game, Taylor didn’t hold back in praising his signal-caller.
“I don’t know that anyone can stand on a field and watch Joe Burrow and say that he’s not the best player in the world,” Taylor said emphatically. “And you can transfer that argument to [wide receiver] Ja’Marr Chase as well. But the clearest thing I can say is I would not trade Joe Burrow for any player in the universe. To me, that’s what makes him MVP.”
A Clutch Performance in the Spotlight
Burrow’s heroics were on full display in the Bengals’ 37–31 overtime win against the Denver Broncos. Facing rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who had an impressive outing of his own, Burrow consistently made game-changing plays.
With just 1:29 remaining in regulation, Burrow rushed for what looked like the game-winning touchdown, giving the Bengals a brief lead. When the Broncos responded to force overtime, Burrow stayed poised. He engineered a drive that set up a 33-yard field goal attempt, which kicker Cade York missed, extending the drama.
In the end, it was Burrow who sealed the victory. His precise 18-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins—his third scoring connection with the wide receiver on the night—capped off a thrilling performance and left no doubt about his value to the Bengals.
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Eye-Popping Season Stats
Burrow’s 2024 season has been remarkable. He has amassed 4,641 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, showcasing his accuracy, leadership, and ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments. His chemistry with Chase has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense, with the duo repeatedly delivering highlight-reel plays.
While Burrow’s numbers are impressive, his team’s position has made it difficult for him to enter the MVP conversation alongside Allen and Jackson, whose teams sit atop their divisions. However, Taylor believes the Bengals quarterback’s contributions cannot be overlooked, regardless of the team’s record.
“Joe doesn’t just play football—he transforms the game when he’s on the field,” Taylor added. “The way he leads, the way he delivers under pressure, it’s unmatched. If that’s not MVP material, I don’t know what is.”
Playoff Hopes on the Line
The Bengals’ postseason aspirations hang by a thread. At 8–8, they face a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in Week 18. Even with a win, the Bengals will need help from around the league to secure a playoff berth, including a Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Broncos and losses by both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.
Despite the uphill battle, Burrow’s leadership and clutch performances have kept Cincinnati in the conversation. If the Bengals do manage to reach the postseason, Burrow’s MVP case could gain serious traction, especially given the adversity he and the team have faced throughout the season.
The MVP Conversation
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Jackson and Allen remain the frontrunners for the league’s top individual honor. Jackson has dazzled with his dual-threat capabilities, and Allen continues to dominate with his arm strength and playmaking ability.
However, Taylor’s passionate endorsement of Burrow highlights the quarterback’s unique value to the Bengals.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, one thing is clear: Joe Burrow is not just playing for playoff survival—he’s staking his claim as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and, in the eyes of his head coach, the best player in the world.
