Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was putting on stellar personal performances in his rookie season before it was cut short by a severe left knee injury in November against the Washington Football Team.
The expectations are high for Burrow — who is expected to be able to return to action by Week 1– heading into his second NFL season.
There have been analysts like Kay Adams who have named Burrow a dark horse candidate for MVP honors in 2021, and several more who expect him to become one of the NFL’s top players in a short period of time.
Now, looking at the ESPN fantasy football quarterback rankings, Burrow would be a fine addition to anyone’s team.
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Burrow sits just outside the top 10 as the No. 11 overall fantasy quarterback according to ESPN.
Here’s how the outlook reads, and the full list of quarterbacks ahead of Burrow on the list:
“The phrase “volume is king” isn’t often applied to quarterbacks, but it fits the bill when breaking down Burrow’s rookie campaign. The 2020 first overall pick went down for the season in Week 11, but prior to that, he ranked first among QBs in snaps and drop backs, second in pass attempts, ninth in passing yards and 14th in fantasy points. Burrow’s efficiency (65%, 6.7 YPA) was solid as far as rookie QBs go and he added value with his legs (37-142-2 rushing line). Burrow is an obvious candidate for a second-year leap and has a good core of targets in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon. Consider him a good QB2.”
- Josh Allen
- Patrick Mahomes
- Kyler Murray
- Dak Prescott
- Lamar Jackson
- Tom Brady
- Aaron Rodgers
- Justin Herbert
- Russell Wilson
- Jalen Hurts
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Could Burrow reach new heights in 2021?
It seems very possible given the fact he has former LSU targets like Chase and tight end Thaddeus Moss to throw to, but it’s going to take improvement across all positions for Cincinnati to become a true contender moving forward.
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