Way-too-early NFL award predictions has Bengals' Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase winning big
For the first time in forever, the Cincinnati Bengals have actual superstars on their roster. Notable names that are as popular as they are valuable to the team, and they're all entering their primes. None are more popular or valuable than quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. As expected, the two picked up […]
For the first time in forever, the Cincinnati Bengals have actual superstars on their roster. Notable names that are as popular as they are valuable to the team, and they're all entering their primes.
None are more popular or valuable than quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. As expected, the two picked up right where they left off from LSU and have dominated NFL defenses just the same in two years together with the Bengals.
The best could be yet to come for Cincinnati's tremendous duo, and hardware may be a result of it.
A to Z Sports' Mike Payton's way-too-early NFL awards predictions has Burrow taking home the NFL MVP and Chase earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors as well.
It would take a monumental season for Burrow and the Bengals to bring home the franchise's first MVP honor since 1981. The team would need to finish atop the stacked AFC, and Burrow's production would have to reach career-highs. That's exactly what Payton has predicted.
"This the year that Burrow truly goes off. I'm predicting a 5,000 yard season and a 40 touchdown year for Burrow. The Bengals will win their division and head to the playoffs with a first round bye." – A to Z Sports' Mike Payton
Burrow did his best to enter the MVP conversation last year, earning the fourth-most vote points behind Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen. Those three figure to be his main competition again this season, as they're all fellow leaders of the teams in contention of the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. That's usually the bar an MVP has to reach.
Gaudy stats will also get the job done in conjunction with team success, and having Chase to throw to will ensure elite production.
"I think [Chase] has a monster season that looks something like 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns. My guess is that by the end of the year, Chase will be in the MVP conversation too. Ultimately he winds up being the offensive player of the year in my book." – A to Z Sports' Mike Payton
Last year's OPotY winner, Justin Jefferson, finished the season with 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. It was enough to place him right behind Burrow for MVP votes. Chase reaching those numbers not only elevate him in a similar way, he would join elite historical company.
Only two receivers in NFL history have ever reached 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns in a season: Jerry Rice, and Cooper Kupp. Shockingly, Rice didn't win OPofY that season as it went to the season's MVP, Brett Favre. Kupp, however, did win the award for his elite 2021 campaign.
Burrow and Chase winning each award would also make the Bengals the first team since the 2001 St. Louis Rams to have two separate players earn both honors. The Greatest Show on Turf featured quarterback Kurt Warner take home the MVP, while running back Marshall Faulk won OPotY.
The Rams made it to the Super Bowl that year. If Burrow and Chase have this much success this year, the Bengals going back to the big game would be very likely.
Bengals Pro Bowler is favored to break a 42-year drought
The market sees history being made in Cincinnati this year.
Featured image via © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
