The Athletic ranks Joe Burrow as one of four top-tier quarterbacks

According to a poll conducted by The Athletic, Ohio State quarterback Joe Burrow is among the top four quarterbacks in the National Football League. The Athletic surveyed 21 NFL executives and 29 NFL coaches, with all but four (46-of-50) ranking Burrow as a Tier 1 quarterback. One offensive coach praised Burrow's exceptional talent, stating that everyone would choose him 10 times out of 10, regardless of how much he demanded in salary.

However, some voters expressed concerns about the frequency of Burrow's injuries, acknowledging that while he is an incredible passer, the risk may outweigh the rewards. Despite these concerns, Burrow remains one of four quarterbacks in Tier 1, alongside Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City, Josh Allen of Buffalo, and Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Cincinnati Bengals, led by Burrow, are projected to play five games against Tier 2 quarterbacks, including Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. The Bengals will also face eight Tier 3 quarterbacks, such as Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints, C.J.

Stroud and the Houston Texans, Tua Tagovailoa and the Atlanta Falcons, Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans, and Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. Among the Tier 4 quarterbacks are Atlanta's Michael Penix, Jr., who is competing with Tagovailoa for the Falcons job, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders from the Cleveland Browns, and Miami's Malik Willis.

The Bengals will host Detroit in their first preseason game on August 13 and kick off the regular season on September 13 against the Buccaneers.