Joe Burrow

A Grade 3 turf toe tear required surgery and limited Burrow to 8 of 17 games in 2025; he's reportedly moving well in offseason work and needed a modified cleat late in the year, but ligament-joint injuries in a QB who still extends plays carry real re-aggravation risk.

Cincinnati has missed the playoffs three straight seasons despite an elite passing attack, and Burrow himself has publicly demanded organizational changes — a wins/playoff-equity concern more than a production one.

Burrow posted a 91.8 PFF grade (2nd among qualified QBs) with 1,809 yards, 17 TD and 5 INT across just 8 games — his 16.8 PPG/PPR-rank-29 season line reflects missed time, not decline, creating a buy-low window before a full healthy season resets his market.

Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and a breakout Chase Brown all return, and Cincinnati's 2026 draft capital (Colbie Young R4, Jack Endries R7) added complementary depth rather than any threat to Burrow's role.

Behind Burrow sits only Flacco, Browning and Clifford — no drafted or notable free-agent challenger, so the every-down job and full target/volume environment are locked in for the foreseeable future.