Why Joe Burrow’s ESPN Quarterback Ranking Has Critics Talking

ESPN recently released its rankings of NFL quarterbacks, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was ranked No. 4.

While he’s been injured over the last three seasons and has missed 16 games during that span, when he’s been on the field, he’s been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His play makes a case for him to be the most talented quarterback in the league.

His 2024 season, his last in which he was fully healthy, saw Burrow throw for 4,918 yards with 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while Cincinnati missing the playoffs was a major reason Burrow didn’t win his first MVP.

However, despite Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Matthew Stafford all being ahead of Burrow on that list, he was the most criticized quarterback for his ranking, with many saying he should be lower, mainly because of his injury history.

Former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck thought Burrow was “way too high,” citing Jared Goff, who was No. 9 on the list, as a quarterback who has averaged 4,500 or more yards over the last four seasons. Burrow has eclipsed 4,500 yards just twice and eclipsed 30 touchdowns just three times. Hasselbeck also pointed out that Burrow has played a full season in only half of his NFL seasons.

Harry Douglas of “Freddie and HD” on ESPN Radio said, “The best ability is availability,” pointing out that a big reason the Bengals have missed the playoffs for the last three years is Burrow’s inability to stay on the field. Douglas clarified that Burrow’s MVP-caliber season in 2024 was hurt by an abysmal defense.

Douglas said he would have flipped Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, putting Burrow at No. 5. Jeremy Fowler, who was one of the authors of the rankings, defended Burrow on ESPN’s “First Take,” saying he may be the best pocket passer in the league and “the closest thing to Tom Brady,” which is why he is so high on the list.

I completely understand both Douglas’ and Hasselbeck’s critiques, and part of me was surprised to see Joe ranked so high on the list. However, I also understand that decision-makers in the NFL still have a strong appreciation for a pure pocket passer like Burrow, which is likely why they ranked Stafford so highly. Both Hasselbeck and Douglas admitted that when Burrow is healthy and at his best, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but Burrow’s injury history raises questions about why he was ranked ahead of Lamar Jackson.