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The Athletic Football Show fantasy football takes on Joe Burrow
Every source-backed podcast insight STACKED has extracted from The Athletic Football Show about Joe Burrow.
14
Insights
5
Positive
2
Negative
Insight ledger
All The Athletic Football Show insights about Joe Burrow
NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Joe Burrow threw for 400 yards in the Jaguars-Bengals game but scored fewer than 20 points, making this only one of 11 games since 2000 where a team has achieved this stat line. The source notes Burrow had 'some really nice moments' in the passing game, including 'bully ball T Higgins back shoulder throws,' but the Jaguars' defense was effective at limiting explosive plays and forcing turnovers despite the yardage total.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Burrow threw for 400 yards in the Bengals' loss to Jacksonville but was forced into a specific pattern by the Jaguars' defense. He had 9 completions from 11-25 yards outside the numbers, the most in a game since Dak Prescott in November 2023. The Jaguars' cloud coverage and run defense forced Burrow to either throw into that hole or check the ball down, preventing explosive plays over the top. Despite the yardage, the defense limited big plays and forced him to accumulate yards in 16-yard chunks.NegativeMatchupOct 2, 2026
Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense have a favorable matchup against the Jaguars defense in Week 4. Teams have played man coverage only 17.7% of the time against Cincinnati (bottom-six rate), yet the Bengals have a 65% success rate against man coverage while averaging 10.7 yards per play, suggesting the Jaguars will need to adjust their defensive approach or risk continued offensive success.NegativeMatchupOct 2, 2026
The source notes that the Bengals offense aims to keep Burrow efficient and ahead of the sticks, with a game plan that allows him to see coverage clearly; the strategy includes occasional deep shots (three times per game) where Burrow makes plays, though the source suggests better options would be preferable but this approach remains viable.NegativeRoleOct 2, 2026
Burrow is comfortable throwing from gun formation and hitting explosive plays downfield, but uncomfortable getting under center and throwing over the middle of the field with his back turned; the Bengals offense has adapted to this limitation by committing to a spread-and-shred approach similar to mid-2010s Steelers, which reliably produces a top-eight offense despite not being the original vision.NegativeRoleOct 2, 2026
The source expresses concern about the Bengals' increased under center usage (30% so far, up from lower rates last year) and its impact on Burrow's play. While the run game has been solid and more efficient from under center, the passing game has struggled significantly; the Bengals rank 31st in passing success rate from under center this year, second-worst only to the Eagles. The source notes that Burrow "just doesn't feel like the best version of himself" when executing under center play action, particularly on timing-sensitive throws like back shoulder balls that require him to keep his eyes downfield rather than turning his back to the defense. The source argues that despite the offensive line and run game benefits of under center looks, the drawbacks to Burrow's passing efficiency and comfort level may outweigh the benefits, and suggests the Bengals might benefit from reducing under center usage while maintaining run game effectiveness.PositiveProjectionOct 1, 2026
Joe Burrow is one of three elite-tier quarterbacks (alongside Mahomes and Allen) who sit alone at the top and remain relatively immune from year-to-year vacillations in quarterback rankings; the source includes him in this elite conversation slightly differently but notes he maintains elite production.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Burrow displayed his signature 'magic' in Week 2, particularly on extended plays and under pressure. Despite the offense not yet hitting its full stride, Burrow's ability to create plays—such as the flip to Samaje Perine and the touchdown to Ja'Marr Chase—was the deciding factor in the Bengals' win.NegativeInjurySep 18, 2026
Joe Burrow is dealing with back tightness but has dismissed the idea that he would miss upcoming games as 'ridiculous'.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
The Bengals offense under Joe Burrow showed increased diversity by utilizing more under-center play-action and efficient quick passing, marking a significant shift from their 2023 tendencies.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
The source suggests this could be a breakout year for Joe Burrow, provided the Bengals' defense helps the team win enough games to reach the playoffs.NegativeInjurySep 7, 2026
The source is concerned about Joe Burrow's injury history, noting that injuries happen frequently but believing he feels sturdier this year. The speaker projects the Bengals to win 11 games if Burrow plays 14-15 games, with the team's 18th-best defense, Jamar Chase, and T Higgins supporting the projection despite a terrible schedule.NegativeUsageAug 27, 2026
The Bengals are shifting toward a more central under-center offensive identity, moving away from their previous heavy shotgun usage. This transition creates a 'murkier' environment for Burrow, as the pocket structure, escape valves, and checkdown timing are different from what he has operated with throughout his career. Success in this new scheme requires Burrow to trust his receivers more in tight windows, similar to the styles of Matthew Stafford or Ryan Tannehill.PositiveProjectionAug 27, 2026
Joe Burrow is part of a high-powered offense that, when healthy alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, consistently produces top-five offensive output. While he has never finished in the top five in EPA per dropback, this is attributed to high sack totals rather than lack of talent.