Where Joe Burrow ranks in MVP and Comeback Player of the Year odds

With the Cincinnati Bengals taking former LSU standout receiver Ja’Marr Chase No. 5 overall, they now have the quarterback-receiver duo that ran through the SEC two seasons ago.

Joe Burrow’s LSU Tigers won the National Championship with Chase and Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson helping lead the way. That season, one that went down in the college football history books, allowed Burrow to go No. 1 overall.

Upon his arrival in the Queen City, the hope for the team immediately skyrocketed. Burrow performed well despite winning just two of his first ten games. Despite tearing his ACL in Week 11, it seems he’s going to be ready for Week 1.

The Bengals, and those betting his lofty MVP odds, are dependent on him kicking off the season strong. That said, Burrow’s MVP odds at Draft Kings are currently sitting at +5000. He’s tied with Derrick Henry, Kirk Cousins, and Christian McCaffrey.

Matt Ryan and Ryan Tannehill are the two immediately in front of the pack while Deshaun Watson, Tua Tagovailoa, and Dalvin Cook follow those at +5000. That said, the favorite to win MVP is none other than Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes.

While it’s unlikely Burrow gets in contention, the improved offensive line and enhanced playmaking are there to give him at least a shot. At +5000, it would not be the craziest bet of all time.

As a rookie, Burrow threw for 2,688 yards. He kicked off his career with five 300-yard passing games. Combine that with 13 touchdowns, and it’s clear that Burrow had a strong start to the season.

Let’s hope he can continue that success and potentially get into the MVP conversation this coming season. But, the MVP won’t be the only award he could be up for. As aforementioned, Burrow tore his ACL, making him a prime candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.

Burrow currently has the third-best odds for that award. According to Draft Kings via Sports Illustrated, Dak Prescott is No. 1, relatively easily too at +175. Burrow is tied with Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey at +600.

If he can show the improvement everyone thinks he can, this is a much better bet. While the odds still aren’t great, he could be the favorite for the award if Burrow can captain the Bengals to the playoffs.

That’s certainly a huge question mark as the Bengals’ win total is set at just 6.5, but it’s certainly one way in which Burrow may make betters some money.