The NFL season is upon us, and Cincinnati Bengals fans have their own spotlight fixed firmly on Joe Burrow.
ESPN’s top-100 projections for 2025 were released on Monday, with Burrow landing No. 5 on the rankings list.
In putting together their rankings, ESPN asked 10 NFL analysts and insiders to evaluate expected performance for the season ahead. Their votes weren’t about past accolades — they were forward-looking predictions. The result? Burrow’s name sits near the top.
Analysts were drawn to the five-year vet’s combination of arm strength, accuracy and poise under pressure, along with the unique ability to stretch the field while keeping defenses guessing — a rare skill that could make 2025 Burrow’s most dangerous season to date.
Why Year 6 Feels Different
After finishing third in QBR last season with 74.9 — his career best — Burrow appears poised to improve even further. Analysts note that his completion percentage over expectation was second-best in the league, and reports throughout Bengals training camp indicate he’s in rhythm like never before.
“Burrow continues to ascend each season,” ESPN’s Ben Baby wrote. “In 2024, he finished third in QBR at 74.9, according to ESPN Research, besting his previous high of 10th in 2022. He also finished second in the league in completion percentage over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. If the early returns are any indication, he is in a position to have his best season. “This is the best I’m throwing it in years,” Burrow said in July.
Signature stat: Burrow has 28 touchdown passes of at least 40 yards, tied with Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Norm Van Brocklin for the second most by a player in his first five seasons in NFL history. Only Johnny Unitas had more (29).
2025 projection: 4,647 yards, 34 TDs, 12 INTs (50 carries, 199 rushing yards)”
While Burrow’s already left a major impression across football’s landscape, what he’s done already before the regular season has boosted his stock: Playing the most he ever has in the NFL preseason. He’s looked as sharp as ever with his passes — going 18-of-24 for 185 yards and three touchdowns (136.5 QBR) in two short appearances.
Burrow’s Supporting Cast Fuels Top-5 Ranking
The AFC North matchups are stacked with elite defenses that won’t make life easy. The Bengals’ margin for error last season was slim, and the expectation in 2025 is to set the pace against the likes of the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
Head coach Zac Taylor and the coaching staff have emphasized the importance of starting strong and maintaining momentum throughout training camp.
“We just want to get off to a fast start,” Taylor told Kay Adams before practices began. “That has been a big emphasis on our season.”
Of course, Burrow doesn’t operate in a vacuum. The Bengals’ offense has grown more dynamic and balanced each year. Star wideout Ja’Marr Chase remains the clear top target, while Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas provide depth and matchup advantages.
As many pundits question whether or not the Bengals can get over the playoff hump this season, Burrow is just ready to play the 2025-26 season on his own terms.
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