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ESPN Survey Makes Joe Burrow Slight 2026 MVP Favorite

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joe Burrow is predicted to win the 2026 NFL MVP award.
An ESPN survey of NFL executives and scouts listed Burrow as a slight favorite over Justin Herbert and Josh Allen.
Former coach Eric Mangini highlighted Burrow’s 2024 season of 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Host Kay Adams said Burrow looks in the best shape of his career and could target 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.

History

Historical Context

In 2013 Peyton Manning set the NFL single-season passing record with 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, earning MVP and surpassing Dan Marino’s 1984 5,084-yard milestone, the first 5,000-yard season. That rare achievement—only nine quarterbacks have reached 5,000 yards—has become a benchmark for modern QBs such as Joe Burrow, whose analysts project a 4,918-yard, 43-TD 2024 campaign that could again reshape contracts and scouting.

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Story summary

Joe Burrow is predicted to win the 2026 NFL MVP award.
An ESPN survey of NFL executives and scouts listed Burrow as a slight favorite over Justin Herbert and Josh Allen.
Former coach Eric Mangini highlighted Burrow’s 2024 season of 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Host Kay Adams said Burrow looks in the best shape of his career and could target 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.

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