Bengals QB Joe Burrow predicted by NFL execs to win a major award

Coming into the 2026 NFL season, there is a lot on the line for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's clear this season is a big one, as Joe Burrow's future is a little bit more uncertain than before; the defense is much better, and Zac Taylor might be out if they don't win it all.

With an elite offense and an improved defense, this team should be able to go on a run this season. But if they are to accomplish their Super Bowl goal, Burrow is going to need to play incredibly well.

In the eyes of NFL executives, according to a poll from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Burrow is predicted to win the NFL MVP award this season.

Joe Burrow predicted to win MVP by NFL execs

"MVP: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals," Fowler shares. "... But he slightly edges the field here, despite a push from Los Angeles' Justin Herbert and reservations about Burrow's durability."

While Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers was close to getting this MVP prediction, the Bengals franchise QB received the most predictions to win the NFL MVP in 2026.

One AFC executive shared the reasoning behind the choice of Burrow for this end-of-season accolade: "He senses the urgency this year and is talking like it -- I think he's ready to back it up. If he stays healthy. Big if."

The Bengals quarterback has dealt with injury issues in his NFL career, especially in recent years. He played in just eight games in 2025, and while he played in all 17 games in 2024, he only got to 10 games the year before that.

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In the last three years, he's missed 16 games. It's hard not to be a little worried about Burrow's health in 2026. But if it's not an issue all year, the Bengals could be in for a massive 2026 season.

For Burrow's sake, that could result in an MVP award. With Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and a favorable schedule, the Bengals' offense could put up some incredible numbers this season.

Winning MVP, as these NFL executives predict, isn't that far-fetched a possibility. But it's going to take a career year for Burrow, likely close to, if not more than, his career-high of 43 passing touchdowns and 4,918 yards from 2024.

Burrow can win this award, just as the majority of NFL executives polled by Fowler and ESPN predict. The 2026 season could be a huge one for the Bengals, and an MVP award for Burrow is within the realm of possibility.

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