Joe Burrow is making a late run to be named the NFL MVP by propelling the Cincinnati Bengals back into playoff contention – and head coach Zac Taylor is firmly fighting his case.

Burrow was 39-49 for 412 passing yards and four total touchdowns including a walk-off overtime touchdown throw to Tee Higgins as the Bengals beat the Denver Broncos 30-24 in a thrilling Week 17 contest. It means they go into Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a chance of making it to the postseason.

After missing much of last season with a wrist injury, Burrow has returned with a vengeance in 2024 and carried a potent Bengals offense all season long despite struggles on the defensive side of the ball. The franchise has recovered from a 1-4 start to 8-8, winning its last four games.

Burrow has now thrown for at least 250 yards and three passing touchdowns in his last eight games, with wide receivers Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase also starring with Burrow feeding them the ball.

He is the first player in NFL history to achieve that feat and Burrow’s performances led Taylor to declare after the Broncos game: “I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and not say that he’s the best player in the world.”

It’s hard to disagree with Taylor’s verdict. While there are a host of contenders for the top prize from teams already in the playoffs – such as Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley – Burrow is performing at another level at present.

Speaking before the Broncos game on NFL Network, former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew declared that Burrow should win the accolade if the Bengals reach the postseason – and insisted he is the one player nobody will want to face.

Burrow's heroics against Denver kept the Bengals' Playoff hopes alive

Burrow’s heroics against Denver kept the Bengals’ Playoff hopes alive ( 

Image:

Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“I don’t want to put all the pressure on the Broncos defense. I don’t want to do that, because Joe Burrow, right now, if they make the playoffs, he’s probably going to win MVP if that happens,” Jones-Drew said. When host Colleen Wolfe asked if Burrow should also win Comeback Player of the Year, Jones-Drew didn’t hesitate and said, “Both of them. Give ’em all to him.

“If there’s one quarterback that I would have on my team, it’s Joe Burrow. He’s the only one that’s beaten Patrick Mahomes consistently. He’s the only one who’s taken his team to Buffalo and won in the playoffs. He’s the only one that takes on the Ravens head-on and wins.

“Yes, Joe Burrow and this offense, they’re going to have to carry this team all the way throughout. They’ve done it before. If the Bengals can keep this thing up, I’m telling you, there’s nothing any other sport can do if the Bengals get in, because it’s going to be must-watch TV if they’re playing.”