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Could Joe Burrow Be NFL MVP If the Bengals Make the Playoffs?

As the 2024 NFL season heads toward its crucial stretch, one name continues to emerge in conversations about the NFL MVP race: Joe Burrow, the star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow, widely regarded as one of the most talented and poised young quarterbacks in the league, has been playing at an exceptionally high level in recent years. The question many are asking now is whether Burrow could secure the NFL MVP award if the Bengals make the playoffs. While MVP voting is often influenced by numerous factors—such as individual statistics, team success, and the broader narrative of a player’s season—Burrow’s chances of winning the prestigious award are firmly in play if the Bengals can make a deep playoff push.

Burrow’s Performance and the Bengals’ Playoff Picture

Joe Burrow has already established himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, known for his strong arm, composure under pressure, and remarkable ability to lead his team in critical moments. After a slow start to the 2024 season, including an early-season calf injury that had some fans worried about his health and performance, Burrow has quickly returned to form. By the middle of the season, Burrow has regained his MVP-caliber play, stringing together impressive performances and leading the Bengals to a position where they can realistically make a run at the playoffs.

At the time of this writing, the Bengals are in the thick of the AFC North division race, a highly competitive division that includes perennial contenders like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. If Burrow and the Bengals can secure a playoff berth, it would be a remarkable feat considering their challenging start to the season. The NFL MVP race often rewards not just individual excellence but also a player’s ability to carry their team to success, and the Bengals making the playoffs would significantly boost Burrow’s case.

Burrow has already proven that he can lead the Bengals to success in big moments. In 2021, he took Cincinnati to the Super Bowl in only his second season, and his leadership has only improved since then. If the Bengals manage to make the playoffs in 2024, Burrow will likely have a significant role in that accomplishment, contributing both in terms of his statistics and his leadership.

Key Factors for Burrow’s MVP Case

To understand whether Burrow could realistically win the MVP, it’s important to look at the key factors that often determine the recipient of the award. Historically, MVP winners have excelled in the following areas:

1. Statistics: The MVP award typically goes to a player who puts up outstanding individual statistics. This usually includes passing yards, touchdown passes, completion percentage, and efficiency metrics like quarterback rating. Burrow has the talent to post elite numbers in all of these areas. He is surrounded by a talented receiving corps led by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, all of whom are capable of making big plays. Burrow’s ability to make quick reads, deliver accurate passes, and stay calm under pressure gives him the tools necessary to put up MVP-worthy stats.
2. Team Success: As much as individual statistics matter, the MVP race is often heavily influenced by the success of a player’s team. History shows that MVP winners tend to come from teams that are not only playoff-bound but also near the top of the standings. For instance, quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers won the MVP award when their teams were in the upper echelon of the NFL. For Burrow, his chances of winning the MVP would be closely tied to the Bengals’ ability to make the playoffs and possibly even secure a high seed. If Burrow leads Cincinnati to a division title or a wildcard spot and puts up strong numbers along the way, his MVP candidacy will only gain momentum.
3. Narrative: The MVP race is often shaped by the storylines that emerge throughout the season. A player’s performance in the context of their team’s success or struggles can elevate their candidacy. For example, if Burrow’s comeback from injury is framed as the catalyst for the Bengals’ success, it will enhance his chances of winning the MVP. The media loves a good narrative, and a healthy, dominant Burrow leading the Bengals back to the playoffs after an injury-riddled start would provide a compelling storyline.
4. Competition: Every MVP race is influenced by the competition from other players, particularly other quarterbacks. In the 2024 season, other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens are all playing at an elite level. These players, along with others like Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins, will present stiff competition for Burrow. However, if Burrow’s play stands out—especially if the Bengals outperform expectations—it could be enough to put him ahead in the MVP race.
5. Clutch Performances: MVP voters also look for a player who delivers in the clutch, especially during crucial games late in the season. If Burrow leads the Bengals to a strong finish in the regular season and performs well in high-pressure games, his case for MVP would be significantly strengthened. In 2021, Burrow had multiple standout performances, including leading the Bengals to a dramatic win over the Chiefs to clinch the AFC North title. If Burrow can replicate that kind of late-season heroics in 2024, it will cement his MVP case.

What Burrow Needs to Do to Win MVP

To have a legitimate shot at the MVP award, Burrow will need to put together an exceptional finish to the season. Here are some key benchmarks that could help him make his case:

1. Consistent Play and Strong Stats: Burrow must continue to post impressive numbers across the board. He will need to finish the season among the league leaders in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating. It’s likely that a 4,500-yard, 35-touchdown season would make Burrow a serious contender for MVP.
2. Postseason Performance: If Burrow can lead the Bengals to the playoffs and deliver strong performances in big games, he will make his MVP candidacy even more compelling. A strong finish to the regular season, followed by solid play in the postseason, would strengthen his case dramatically.
3. Team Success: As mentioned earlier, Burrow’s MVP chances are closely tied to the Bengals’ success as a team. The team needs to finish with a winning record and make the playoffs for Burrow to even be considered seriously. If Cincinnati secures a division title or earns a high seed in the playoffs, it will significantly boost his MVP prospects.
4. Standout Performances in Big Games: Key matchups against division rivals like the Ravens, Steelers, or Browns will give Burrow an opportunity to showcase his ability to rise to the occasion. If he can win important games against top teams, it will give voters an extra reason to reward him with the MVP.

Conclusion: Can Joe Burrow Win MVP in 2024?

Yes, Joe Burrow absolutely has the potential to win the NFL MVP in 2024 if the Cincinnati Bengals make the playoffs. His combination of elite talent, leadership, and a high-powered offense makes him a strong candidate. However, to win the award, Burrow must continue to perform at an MVP-caliber level while leading the Bengals to a successful finish in the regular season and into the playoffs. His chances will be bolstered if he posts strong stats, wins key games, and leads the Bengals through crucial moments, particularly in big games against division rivals.

While he faces stiff competition from other quarterbacks in the league, Burrow’s talent and ability to deliver in the clutch give him a strong shot at claiming the MVP if the Bengals reach the postseason. If he continues to build on his already impressive career, the MVP conversation surrounding Joe Burrow could become one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 season.