Joe Burrow Injury Impact: MVP Odds Take Major Hit After Toe Injury
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback's MVP hopes took a devastating blow after suffering a toe injury in Week 2.
Breaking News
Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury during the Bengals' 31-27 win over Jacksonville in Week 2. The quarterback was spotted in a walking boot and using crutches after the game, with no immediate timetable for return.
MVP Odds Impact: From Contender to Long Shot
Odds Movement
Before Injury
+600
Top 5 MVP Contender
After Injury
+5000
Long Shot Status
Joe Burrow's MVP odds have taken a catastrophic hit, dropping from +600 to +5000 after his toe injury. This represents one of the most dramatic shifts in MVP odds we've seen in recent memory, effectively ending his candidacy for the 2025 NFL MVP award.
The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for Burrow and the Bengals. After a strong Week 1 performance, Burrow was establishing himself as a legitimate MVP contender, and the Bengals were hoping their star quarterback would find his rhythm as they prepared for a brutal four-game stretch.
The Injury Details
What We Know
- Injury Type: Toe injury sustained in the second quarter
- Timeline: No immediate timetable for return
- Status: Spotted in walking boot and using crutches post-game
- Impact: Burrow had already thrown a touchdown before exiting
- Replacement: Jake Browning took over and led the Bengals to victory
The injury occurred in the second quarter of the Bengals' Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burrow had already connected for a touchdown pass before being forced to exit the game. The sight of him in a walking boot and using crutches after the game suggests this could be a significant injury that keeps him out for multiple weeks. Initial reports suggest a potential Lisfranc injury, which could sideline him for 6-8 weeks.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped in and led the Bengals to a 31-27 victory, but the long-term implications for Burrow's MVP candidacy are severe. Even if he returns later in the season, missing multiple games will make it nearly impossible to win the MVP award.
Impact on the MVP Race
Who Benefits
- Josh Allen (+300): One less elite QB in the race
- Lamar Jackson (+300): Clear path to MVP if Ravens succeed
- Justin Herbert (+1200): AFC West opportunity opens up
- Jordan Love (+700): NFC competition becomes clearer
Who Loses
- Joe Burrow (+5000): MVP hopes essentially ended
- Bengals Fans: Season outlook significantly dimmed
- MVP Voters: One less elite candidate to consider
- Betting Markets: Reduced competition in MVP race
Burrow's injury has fundamentally changed the MVP race. With one of the top quarterbacks out of contention, the path to MVP has become clearer for the remaining elite quarterbacks. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson now have one less competitor to worry about, while players like Justin Herbert and Jordan Love have more room to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
Bengals' Season Outlook
Upcoming Schedule
The timing of Burrow's injury couldn't be worse for the Bengals. They were preparing for a brutal four-game stretch against Minnesota, Denver, Detroit, and Green Bay. These games were crucial for establishing their playoff positioning and giving Burrow the opportunity to build his MVP case.
With Jake Browning now under center, the Bengals' season outlook has changed dramatically. While Browning showed promise in relief, the Bengals will need to rely heavily on their defense and running game to stay competitive during Burrow's absence.
Historical Context
Recent MVP Winners & Injuries
History shows that MVP winners typically play the vast majority of their team's games. In the last four years, every MVP winner has played at least 16 games, with most playing all 17. This makes Burrow's injury particularly devastating for his MVP chances.
The only recent exception was Aaron Rodgers in 2021, who missed one game due to COVID-19 protocols. However, Rodgers had already established himself as the clear MVP favorite before missing that game, and his team continued to win without him.
Betting Implications
Best Value Bets Now
- Josh Allen +300: Clear favorite with Burrow out
- Lamar Jackson +300: Co-favorite with strong case
- Justin Herbert +1200: Great value if Chargers succeed
- Jordan Love +700: Packers' 2-0 start helps case
Avoid These Bets
- Joe Burrow +5000: Injury makes this unwise
- Long Shots: Burrow's absence helps favorites
- Bengals Futures: Team outlook significantly dimmed
What's Next for Burrow?
Recovery Timeline
The immediate focus for Burrow is on his recovery. The Bengals will need to evaluate the severity of his toe injury and determine the best course of action. While the walking boot and crutches suggest a significant injury, the exact timeline for his return remains unclear.
Even if Burrow returns later in the season, his MVP candidacy is likely over. The combination of missed games and the need to work his way back to full strength will make it nearly impossible to catch up to the other elite quarterbacks in the race.
Conclusion
Joe Burrow's toe injury has effectively ended his 2025 NFL MVP campaign before it could truly begin. The dramatic shift in odds from +600 to +5000 reflects the reality that missing multiple games makes it nearly impossible to win the MVP award.
While the Bengals will hope for a quick recovery, the MVP race has fundamentally changed. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson now have clearer paths to the award, while other contenders like Justin Herbert and Jordan Love have more room to establish themselves as legitimate candidates.
The injury serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, and how important health is to MVP candidacy. For Burrow, the focus now shifts from MVP aspirations to simply getting healthy and returning to help his team compete for a playoff spot.