Joe Burrow is gaining traction among bettors for the preseason MVP pick. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback missed nine games in 2025 after sustaining a Grade 3 turf toe injury in the Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, in 2026, Burrow might be setting himself up for a great season.
NFL analyst Dov Kleiman shared early 2026 MVP odds. As expected, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lead the odds, followed by New England Patriots’ Drake Maye. Here’s the list (via Polymarket):
1) Bills Josh Allen +600
2) Ravens Lamar Jackson +750
3) Patriots Drake Maye +850
4) Bengals Joe Burrow +1,000
5) Chargers Justin Herbert +1,100
In his post, Kleiman also noted Burrow is currently the most predicted MVP pick. This means that while on sportsbooks, Burrow trails; many are betting on the Bengals’ quarterback’s undervalued status.
2026 NFL MVP Odds:
1) Bills Josh Allen +600
2) Ravens Lamar Jackson +750
3) Patriots Drake Maye +850
4) Bengals Joe Burrow +1,000
5) Chargers Justin Herbert +1,100
Burrow is currently the most predicted 👀
(via @Polymarket) pic.twitter.com/qxNSqoknSD
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 2, 2026
More: Jets predicted to land Joe Burrow if Bengals struggles continue
Joe Burrow is special when he is healthy
Joe Burrow is special to watch when he is healthy for the whole season. He has the uncanny ability to deliver accurate passes in tough situations and can read defenses before the snap takes place.
Last season, Burrow led the Bengals to a 5-3 record. He completed 173 of 259 passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight games. He added 41 rushing yards as well while posting a 100.7 passer rating and 63.0 QBR. He earned his third Pro Bowl nod.
However, Burrow will face tough competition in the MVP race. Allen and Jackson are perennial contenders, thanks to their dual-threat status. Maye came very close to winning the MVP last year, which eventually went to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
But if the Bengals deliver the kind of season many expect, Burrow will be in line to add an MVP award to his resume.
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