Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the MVP race, Joe Burrow

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/6/22

Joe Burrow has entered the chat. The Bengals' quarterback has earned his spot in the MVP race after his win over the Chiefs in Week 13.

Burrow isn't the odds favorite as of now, but he only trails quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. However, his teammate WR Ja'Marr Chase believes he should be No. 1.

.@JoeyB for MVP? pic.twitter.com/ZWECZJ7rLC
— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2022

Burrow is second in total touchdowns (30) to only Mahomes (32) who he just defeated for the third-straight time in 2022. Both quarterbacks have eight interceptions and almost identical QB ratings, per NFL.com.

It didn't take long for people to realize Burrow should have been in the conversation for some time now. Maybe the potential "Super Bowl hangover" was weighing over Burrow and the team, but Cincinnati shut down anyone still believing that on Sunday.

Welcome to the MVP race, Joe Burrow
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) December 5, 2022

Joe Burrow moving up in the MVP race!!!
— Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) December 5, 2022

"I still give Patrick Mahomes a slight edge over Jalen Hurts, but I think Joe Burrow is now in the conversation," Chris Broussard said on "First Things First."

Has Joe Burrow joined the MVP race?

"I still give Patrick Mahomes a slight edge over Jalen Hurts, but I think Joe Burrow is now in the conversation!" — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/7GiVIDh5qo
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) December 5, 2022

It is very probable we get a Burrow vs. Mahomes part four this season, but with very similar stat lines, shouldn't Burrow have surpassed Mahomes with the win?

It's close, but not that easy. The Chiefs still hold a better record and seed than the Bengals, but stay tuned.

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