In recent years, the NFL MVP discussion has centered around names such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes. However, one former Super Bowl champion thinks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow could make his case this season.
Former Rams star Kurt Warner hopped on “The Rich Eisen Show” and revealed why he thinks Burrow could make a run at this year’s MVP award.
“I believe he’s going to put up incredible numbers,” Warner said. “If the team can come together and win more games this year, I believe the numbers will be there for Joe Burrow to make a case for the MVP.”
"If the team can come together and win more games this year, I believe the numbers will be there for Joe Burrow to make a case for the MVP."@Kurt13Warner gives his thoughts on who could win the MVP this season 👀
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 9, 2026
(via @richeisenshow) pic.twitter.com/uzlg33OdGD
Burrow finished fourth twice in the NFL MVP voting, which came in 2022 and 2024. In 2024, he finished behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley, respectively.
Statistically, Burrow’s best season came in 2024. That year, he threw for 4,918 yards with 43 touchdowns, both of which were career highs. Unfortunately, Cincinnati finished with a 9-8 record and didn’t make the playoffs.
Burrow played just eight games in 2025 due to injuries, but he has been vocal about the team’s expectations in 2026. In May, Burrow said this is the “most talented roster” he’s had since coming into the NFL.
Burrow also said he’s “trying to manifest” a Super Bowl, so there are a lot of expectations for this team entering the 2026 season.
The good news is that superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is trending to play in Week 1 despite a worrisome injury at the end of August, and that should help Burrow put up monster numbers.
If all goes well, this could finally be the year when Joe Burrow wins the NFL MVP award.
