Even in a losing season, Joe Burrow is putting up numbers that would make most quarterbacks jealous. His November performances have sparked a debate. Could he still win Offensive Player of the Year despite the Bengals’ record? NFL insiders believe there’s a path, but it’s a narrow one, hinging on two make-or-break conditions.  

Kay Adams kicked off the discussion with a direct question. “Offensive Player of the Year, I want to start here. It looks like a two-man race. Can it get interesting?” NFL insider Rob Maaddi didn’t hesitate, either. “It certainly can, Kay.” He broke it down, explaining how the OPOY award often diverges from MVP trends.  

While MVP has been a quarterback’s award for 11 consecutive years, OPOY has gone to either a running back or wide receiver for the past five. But Burrow’s season, with 30 touchdowns and just five interceptions, makes him a unique contender. Maaddi emphasized, “For a season as incredible and impressive as Joe Burrow is having, if he finishes 40 and 7, 40 and 6 somewhere around there, he could be in that mix.”  

The first condition? Burrow must hit that magic number: 40 touchdowns and seven interceptions or fewer. It’s a tough but achievable benchmark. The second condition is less within his control—Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry must avoid breaking the rushing record. If either of them does, history suggests they’d likely secure the OPOY title instead.  

Burrow’s November dominance strengthened his case. Named AFC Offensive Player of the Month, he posted 12 touchdowns in just three games, like woah. That too with the Bengals taking a Week 12 bye! From a five-touchdown clinic against the Raiders to an unforgettable showdown with the Ravens, Burrow proved himself to be one of the league’s most electrifying talents.  

But what about the elephant in the room? The Bengals’ dismal 4-8 record! Historically, award voters lean toward players from winning teams, no doubt. Can Burrow’s historic season transcend that bias?  

November brilliance: Why Burrow still belongs in the conversation  

Let’s talk numbers. Burrow kicked off November with a five-touchdown performance against the Raiders, matching his career high. What made it even more impressive? He scored passes to four different receivers, a feat tied for the most in team history!

Against the Ravens, Burrow didn’t just shine—he made history. With 428 passing yards and four touchdowns, he became one of only eight quarterbacks ever to hit those marks with zero turnovers in a game. Among those TDs were 67- and 70-yard bombs to Ja’Marr Chase, showcasing Burrow’s unmatched deep-ball accuracy.  

And then came the Chargers game. Burrow orchestrated a furious second-half comeback. Thanks to him tossing three touchdowns and racking up 245 passing yards after halftime. This performance cemented another historic milestone. Burrow became the first QB in NFL history to post back-to-back games with 300+ passing yards and 3+ touchdowns, all without a single interception.  

As Rob Maaddi pointed out, “The MVP usually goes to a team that gets a bye, but for a season as incredible and impressive as Burrow’s, OPOY is a real possibility.” Fans, however, have expressed frustration. “The Bengals are wasting an MVP-caliber season in the middle of a Super Bowl window.”  

Joe Burrow’s OPOY bid is a high-stakes balancing act. He needs to keep delivering MVP-level performances while hoping his competitors don’t break records of their own. His November dominance—12 touchdowns, over 1,000 yards, and countless highlight reels—proves he’s deserving. But will the Bengals’ record overshadow his brilliance? Or will voters finally look past team success and recognize the sheer individual excellence of Burrow’s season?