Joe Burrow: The True MVP of the 2025 NFL Season
The NFL MVP race is one of the most anticipated discussions at the close of every season, and for 2025, players like Josh Allen are dominating the conversation. With DraftKings odds favoring Allen after leading the Buffalo Bills to an AFC East title and the #2 seed, he seems poised to claim the trophy. However, while Allen’s performance is impressive, it’s Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals who truly deserves the title of MVP. Despite the Bengals missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record, Burrow’s legendary season proves that he is the most valuable player in the league.
Joe Burrow’s Historic Performance
Joe Burrow delivered an iconic 2025 season that redefined excellence. He led the NFL in passing yardage and touchdown passes, solidifying his position as one of the game’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Burrow achieved an unprecedented milestone by throwing for at least 250 yards and 3 touchdowns in eight consecutive games—a feat no player in NFL history has accomplished.
What makes this even more impressive is that Burrow played behind a weak offensive line while competing in the tough AFC North, a division known for its elite defenses. Week after week, Burrow showcased his resilience and skill, dominating despite constant defensive pressure. His ability to perform under such challenging conditions places him in a league of his own.
A Team That Let Him Down
While Burrow delivered one of the greatest individual seasons in recent memory, the Bengals struggled to capitalize on his brilliance. The team lost four games despite scoring over 30 points, highlighting significant weaknesses on the defensive side. Notable losses included narrow defeats to the Kansas City Chiefs (due to a controversial pass interference call), the Los Angeles Chargers (after two missed field goals), and the Baltimore Ravens (blowing double-digit fourth-quarter leads in two matchups).
The Bengals’ defense ranked among the league’s worst, leaving Burrow to shoulder the burden of keeping his team competitive. Even with these setbacks, he managed to elevate his team, and it’s difficult to imagine the Bengals winning more than three or four games without him. This underscores his immeasurable value to Cincinnati’s season.
Comparing Burrow to MVP Contenders
The 2025 MVP conversation often focuses on players like Josh Allen, whose Bills achieved great team success. Allen’s ability to lead his team to the #2 seed despite key injuries is certainly commendable. However, the MVP award isn’t just about wins—it’s about individual performance and a player’s ability to elevate their team. On that front, Joe Burrow shines brighter than any other contender.
Burrow’s NFL-leading stats, historic streak, and ability to keep the Bengals competitive in the face of adversity demonstrate his unique impact. Unlike other MVP favorites, Burrow carried a team with significant shortcomings. His performance was not just about putting up numbers but also about giving his team a fighting chance in every game. That’s what true value looks like.
Why Burrow Deserves MVP Recognition
The MVP award is meant to recognize the player who is most valuable to their team and the league as a whole. By that definition, Joe Burrow is the clear choice. Leading the league in yardage and touchdowns, setting NFL records, and excelling under circumstances where most quarterbacks would struggle, Burrow has delivered a season for the ages.
While the Bengals may not have made the playoffs, Burrow’s performance stands as a testament to his talent, leadership, and perseverance. The MVP race often rewards team success, but it’s time to shift the focus back to individual brilliance. Based on his achievements, Joe Burrow deserves to be recognized as the real MVP of the 2025 NFL season—a player whose impact goes far beyond wins and losses.
