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Simple Calculus
Sometimes fantasy analysis can take us into complex and fascinating places. We may pull on a string and discover a new angle to a situation that lights our imaginations afire, and leads us to rethink our projection for a player.
But with Joe Burrow, it's not that deep. Six years into his career, and it's simple calculus. If he stays healthy, he's going to be one of the best fantasy options at the position.
In three healthy seasons—2021, 2022, and 2024—he's finished QB8, QB4, and QB2. In three injury-marred seasons—2020, 2023, and 2025—he's finished QB16, QB26, and QB14 on a per-game basis.
Joe Burrow Career Production
| Rank | Per Game Rank | Year | Gms | Cmp | Att | PaYd | PaTD | Int | Rsh | RshYd | RshTD | FPT/Gm | FPTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 16 | 2020 | 10 | 264 | 404 | 2,688 | 13 | 5 | 37 | 142 | 3 | 21.4 | 213.6 |
| 8 | 9 | 2021 | 16 | 366 | 520 | 4,611 | 34 | 14 | 40 | 118 | 2 | 23.5 | 376.4 |
| 4 | 4 | 2022 | 17 | 418 | 610 | 4,527 | 36 | 12 | 76 | 259 | 5 | 24.4 | 414.3 |
| 25 | 25 | 2023 | 10 | 244 | 365 | 2,309 | 15 | 6 | 31 | 88 | 0 | 17.8 | 178.3 |
| 2 | 2 | 2024 | 17 | 460 | 652 | 4,918 | 43 | 9 | 42 | 201 | 2 | 25.9 | 441.0 |
| 29 | 14 | 2025 | 8 | 173 | 259 | 1,809 | 17 | 5 | 14 | 41 | 0 | 19.7 | 157.6 |
Beyond the injuries, Burrow's situation is stable and compelling:
- System Continuity: Head coach Zac Taylor remains in place; how many quarterbacks have enjoyed seven years of system continuity?
- Receiver Tandem: Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins return and are one of the best, if not the best, tandems in the league.
- Backfield Balance: Running back Chase Brown, who not only keeps defenses honest, but has flourished as an outlet receiver, returns.
- Offensive Line: All five starting offensive linemen return, affording the unit a perfect cohesion score from Footballguys offensive line guru Matt Bitonti.
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