The Cincinnati Bengals were sitting at 4-8 and their playoff hopes were hanging by a thread. While they ultimately missed the playoffs, quarterback Joe Burrow did all he could to at least keep the Bengals alive until the final day of the season, winning five straight to salvage a winning season at 9-8.
Between that and leading the league in passing yards, Burrow made his case for the NFL MVP award. Thursday, he was officially announced as one of five finalists for the award. Joining him among the group are Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
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Burrow led the league with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. His nine interceptions were sixth-fewest among quarterbacks that played at least 16 games, seventh-fewest if we drop the baseline to 15 games to include Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The Bengals missing the playoffs may hurt Burrow’s chances, but him being in the conversation is a reminder of how great his season was, even if people may have forgotten after the 4-8 start.
The winner will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday, February 6 during Super Bowl week in New Orleans.
