Bengals’ Burrow Ranks Just Behind Top QB in New List

Joe Burrow’s Position in the Top QB Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has become a consistent presence on top-five lists this offseason, which is no surprise given his talent and performance. However, where exactly he falls within that elite group is a topic of much discussion among analysts and fans alike.

Burrow often finds himself competing with some of the most recognizable names in the league, such as Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. These players are typically seen as the gold standard for quarterbacks, making any debate about Burrow’s ranking particularly intense.

One of the most recent and notable rankings comes from Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus. Their evaluation was based on three seasons of data, resulting in a comprehensive list where Burrow placed second overall. This ranking highlights just how highly Burrow is regarded, despite some challenges he has faced over the years.

“Despite a severe turf toe injury that limited him to just eight games and 259 dropbacks in 2025, Burrow’s play never slipped,” Wasserman and Chadwick wrote. “He earned a 91.3 PFF passing grade that ranked second among qualifying quarterbacks. He also posted the lowest turnover-worthy play rate by any quarterback with at least 250 dropbacks in the PFF era (2006-present) and finished above the 95th percentile in four of PFF’s six most stable passing metrics.”

This impressive performance under less-than-ideal circumstances speaks volumes about Burrow’s ability to perform at a high level. However, it’s important to note that Burrow has had to deal with several obstacles over the past few years. Injuries, inconsistent offensive lines, and sometimes weak defensive support have all played a role in his overall performance.

Given these challenges, it’s understandable that Burrow is currently ranked behind only Josh Allen in the latest evaluations. However, the writeup makes it clear that there is still a strong case to be made for Burrow being the best quarterback in the league.

It’s hard to argue against being recognized as the No. 2 overall quarterback in the NFL, especially when the position is defined by such high standards. The Bengals, however, are hopeful that a revitalized defense and the return of their starting five offensive linemen for a second season will help Burrow reach his full potential. If that happens, it’s likely that he could soon find himself at the top of these rankings.

Key Highlights from the Rankings

• Performance Despite Adversity: Burrow’s 91.3 PFF passing grade in 2025 was second among qualifying quarterbacks, even after missing significant time due to injury.
• Low Turnover Rate: He posted the lowest turnover-worthy play rate by any quarterback with at least 250 dropbacks in the PFF era.
• Top Percentile Metrics: Burrow finished above the 95th percentile in four of PFF’s six most stable passing metrics, showcasing his consistency and skill.

The Road Ahead for Burrow

The Bengals are clearly looking to build around Burrow, and with improvements on both sides of the ball, there’s a real possibility that he could take the top spot in future rankings. The team’s focus on strengthening their defense and ensuring stability along the offensive line is a strategic move aimed at maximizing Burrow’s abilities.

With the right support, Burrow has the potential to not only maintain his current standing but also surpass it. His resilience and performance under pressure make him a formidable player, and many believe that he is capable of reaching the top of the quarterback hierarchy.