Joe Burrow remains a top‑tier quarterback as Pro Football Focus ranks him second overall entering the 2026 season. The Bengals’ starter posted 1,809 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and a 100.7 passer rating in 2025, and PFF’s latest list on 8 Jul 2026 still places him behind only Josh Allen.
How did Burrow perform in 2025?
Burrow’s 2025 line‑up showed a mix of efficiency and injury‑related setbacks. He completed 66.8% of his throws, tossed 17 TDs against five interceptions and was sacked 17 times. The Bengals finished 5‑3 when he was on the field, a modest record that masks his strong individual numbers. PFF awarded him an overall offensive grade of 91.8, the second‑best among 43 qualified quarterbacks, and a passing grade of 91.3, also second in the league.
Why does PFF still rank Burrow so high?
Despite missing nine weeks with a turf‑toe injury in Week 2, Burrow’s per‑play production stayed elite. PFF notes that his “when‑healthy” ceiling rivals any modern passer, and his injury history does not heavily penalize his grade. The analyst team—Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick—group him with Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford as an “elite tier” of quarterbacks.
What does the Bengals’ quarterback depth look like?
The roster lists Burrow as starter, veteran Joe Flacco as backup, and younger options Sean Clifford and Josh Johnson further down the depth chart. Flacco, acquired in a mid‑season trade in 2025, posted 2,479 yards, 15 TDs and a 79.2 passer rating, but his PFF overall grade fell to 68.0, ranking 30th. The team hopes the offensive line’s improvement and a fully healthy Burrow will translate the talent‑loaded roster into a deeper playoff run.
What’s next for Burrow and Cincinnati?
Entering the 2026 campaign, the Bengals have all starters returning, eliminating the line‑play concerns that plagued the previous year. With PFF already ranking Burrow second‑best, the narrative shifts from “can he stay healthy?” to “how far can he take this offense?” Fans and analysts alike are watching to see if the quarterback can convert his high grades into postseason success.
How does Burrow compare to his peers?
PFF’s 2026 preseason list places Burrow behind only Buffalo’s Josh Allen and ahead of Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson. He shares the elite five with Mahomes and Stafford, underscoring his status among the league’s most productive passers. The statistical gap between Burrow’s 2025 passer rating (100.7) and Allen’s (108.3) is narrow, suggesting a competitive race for the top spot.
What impact could this have on the AFC North?
Cincinnati’s offense, now fully intact, is poised to challenge the likes of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. If Burrow can stay on the field for a full season, the Bengals could improve on their 5‑3 record and contend for the division crown. The combination of a high‑grade quarterback and a stabilized line may finally translate the team’s talent into consistent wins.