NFL insiders raise expectations for Joe Burrow in 2025 with bold prediction

After a career year, league executives believe Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow could be even better in 2025. 

In a story published Monday, The Athletic's Jeff Howe polled coaches and executives. Burrow was deemed the preseason MVP ahead of Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. The Bengals signal-caller received nine of the 30 votes.  

Oddsmakers still favor Jackson. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Ravens passer +490 odds to win MVP and Burrow +600 odds. 

Burrow, however, may have won MVP for the first time last season had Cincinnati not finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. The 28-year-old led the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdown passes (43) and finished fourth in completion percentage (70.6%).

Keep in mind that Burrow suffered a season-ending right wrist injury in November 2023. The two-time Comeback Player of the Year hasn't had any injury setbacks thus far, which is one key reason voters are high on the Bengals star. 

"Burrow just delivered the best training camp of his career, quietly guiding the Bengals into a highly anticipated season while staving off the summer injury bug that's hit him in previous years," wrote Howe. "That's why the voters believe Burrow will overtake Allen for the award." 

"I think this is the best I'm throwing it in several years, so I'm excited about that," Burrow said in July.

Burrow's top wide receivers are returning in 2025, which should only increase his confidence. The Bengals signed WRs Tee Higgins (four years, $115M) and Ja'Marr Chase (four years, $161.8M) to mega-deals in March. Last season, Chase led the league in TD catches (17 in 17 games), while Higgins tied for the sixth-most (10 in 12 games). 

Preseason predictions can be hit-or-miss, but it's easy to imagine this one being correct.