Yahoo Sports' Schwab backs Joe Burrow to win first NFL MVP

He leads the NFL in completion rate and deep touchdowns.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 3h1 min read

“I think Joe Burrow is gonna win his first MVP this year.” 👀 @YahooSchwab has loved what he’s seen from Cincy’s QB so f Via @YahooSports on X

What happened: On Yahoo Sports Daily, analyst @YahooSchwab predicted Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow will capture his first career NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2026. The endorsement follows a Week 7 second-half surge in which Burrow completed 14 of 16 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns.

Why it matters: After entering September as an early co-favorite at 11% in MVP odds, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick has backed up preseason projections with league-best accuracy and pocket efficiency. Avoiding sacks at a

By the numbers: In 2026, Burrow ranks first in the NFL in completion percentage and deep touchdowns (five), second in passing touchdowns and passer rating, third in touchdown percentage, and fifth in passing yards per game. His 4.2% sack rate (once every 25 dropbacks) beats the NFL average by 30%, following an eight-game 2025 campaign in which he went 173-of-259 for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

What to watch: Burrow enters Week 8 sitting one passing touchdown behind league leader Kirk Cousins. Sustaining his low sack rate and downfield efficiency through midseason will dictate whether he separates in the MVP race.

Sources

@YahooSports 2026-10-27T19:00:18.270673+00:00

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Yahoo Sports' Schwab backs Joe Burrow to win first NFL MVP

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