Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are 4-8 on the season and sitting outside of a playoff spot.
It will be an uphill battle for them to make the playoffs. The Chargers (8-4), Ravens (8-5), and Broncos (7-5) hold the three wild card spots. The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) and Miami Dolphins (5-7) are also ahead of the Bengals in the AFC.
However, despite the Bengals’ struggles, Joe Burrow has been elite this season. He is having an MVP-caliber season but is being let down by a horrible Bengals defense.
Below, we break down Joe Burrow’s season, how awful the Bengals have been on defense, and whether they still have a chance of making the playoffs.
Joe Burrow Would Be MVP If Not For Bengals Defense
Joe Burrow is having a spectacular season. Burrow leads the league in passing yards (3,337) and passing TDs (30).
Below are seasons a QB has had 30+ pass TDs and five or fewer interceptions through the first 12 games and their records.
- 2024: Joe Burrow: 4-8
- 2020: Aaron Rodgers: 9-3
- 2020: Patrick Mahomes: 11-1
- 2014: Aaron Rodgers: 9-3
- 2011: Aaron Rodgers: 12-0
- 2007: Tom Brady: 12-0
Seasons a QB has had 30+ pass TD & 5 or fewer INTs through first 12 games
W-L
2024: Joe Burrow 4-8
2020: Aaron Rodgers 9-3
2020: Patrick Mahomes 11-1
2018: Drew… pic.twitter.com/sPmts6Z7gp— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 2, 2024
Aaron Rodgers has had some remarkable seasons in his prime. Joe Burrow is the only QB on the list to have a losing record.
Brady won the MVP in 2007 and Rodgers won the MVP in 2011, 2014, and 2020, beating out Mahomes that season.
Joe Burrow would be this year’s MVP if not for an awful Bengals defense.
Bengals Defense Ruining A Historically Great Season By Burrow
Joe Burrow leads the league in passing yards (3,337) and passing TDs (30).
However, the Bengals lost six games in which the offense scored 25+ points. Cincinnati is on a three-game losing streak but they have scored 27+ points in each of their last three games.
The Bengals rank 31st in points allowed per game, 27th in passing yards allowed per game, and 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game. They seem to be getting worse on defense as the season goes on instead of improving.
In the last three games, Joe Burrow has thrown for over 300 yards and three or more passing TDs in each game. However, the Bengals have allowed 34 or more points in each of the last three games.
They are coming off a week 13 game in which Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense had their way with the defense. Russell Wilson went off, going 29/38, 414 passing yards, three passing TDs, and one interception. Najee Harris had 75 rushing yards, one rushing TD, six catches, and 54 receiving yards. George Pickens had three receptions, 74 receiving yards, and one receiving TD. Pat Freiermuth had six catches, 68 receiving yards, and one receiving TD.
It was not just one player for the Steelers who went off but a collective offensive effort. Cincinnati got torched all game on defense.
Joe Burrow has thrown two or more passing TDs in nine of 12 games this season. He has thrown just five interceptions. Still, the Bengals defense has completely let him down.
Do The Bengals Have Any Chance Of Making The Playoffs?
Cincinnati is 4-8 and ninth in the AFC. The Chargers (8-4), Ravens (8-5), and Broncos (7-5) hold the three wild card spots. The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) and Miami Dolphins (5-7) are also ahead of the Bengals in the AFC.
Despite Joe Burrow playing at an MVP-caliber level, the Bengals’ playoff chances are slim.
Their schedule in the final five games is not daunting but they cannot afford to lose another game this season.
The Bengals’ remaining games:
- Week 14: @ Dallas Cowboys
- Week 15: @ Tennessee Titans
- Week 16: vs Cleveland Browns
- Week 17: vs Denver Broncos
- Week 18: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Their final two games are against playoff teams. With the Broncos 7-5, their week 17 game could be a critical contest. However, for it to matter, the Bengals must win all three games before they face Denver.
However, the Broncos face the Browns on Monday Night Football in week 13 before a week 14 bye then are at home in week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are also fighting to make the playoffs and are ahead of the Bengals, making it very difficult for the Bengals to even be alive for a playoff spot come week 17.
Despite an MVP-caliber season by Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes are slim to none thanks to an awful defense.
