Joe Burrow's latest ranking in the NFL Top 100 players has sparked plenty of discussion, with many fans questioning how the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback landed within the top 50 after an injury-shortened season.

Burrow, who was No.6 on last year's players-voted list, dropped to No. 44 this year, finishing between Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (No. 43) and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (No. 45).

The ranking, along with a profile of the Bengals QB was posted by the official NFL X account, with the caption, "No. 44 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…"

But it seems a number of fans disagreed, and many took to the comments section of the NFL's July 30 X post to voice their opinions.

"Burrow's PR is what everyone thinks Allen's PR is," a fan's reaction made the rounds online.

Others also pointed to Burrow finishing ahead of quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Bo Nix, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, and Caleb Williams.

Another fan questioned why Burrow ranked so far ahead of other quarterbacks.

"How on earth does Joe Burrow get to be 44 but Love is 72? This makes no sense lol," another fan's reaction was posted on X on July 30.

The profile also noted that Burrow returned in Week 13 after a turf toe injury and threw at least two touchdown passes in each of his final six games.

He finished the season with 1,809 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games while earning his third Pro Bowl selection.

The NFL's official profile also explained why players still voted him into the top 50.

"Despite missing more than half the season, Burrow still resides in the top 50, showcasing just how highly respected he is among his NFL brethren," the profile mentioned.

Burrow was also the 10th quarterback revealed on this year's NFL Top 100 list, a respect he still commands around the league even after another injury-interrupted season.

The debate soon expanded beyond Burrow, with many fans comparing his spot to that of another AFC star who finished much lower.

Did the NFL rankings get Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson's placement right?

The NFL's ranking didn't just get people talking about Joe Burrow. It also brought renewed attention to Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's placement on the same list.

Jackson was ranked No.69 after an injury-hit 2025 season in which he played 13 games, threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns, and added 349 rushing yards with two rushing scores.

"Joe Burrow came in at No. 44 on the list… he finds himself inside the top 50, while Jackson is well outside that range," Connor Burke said on Ebony Bird on July 30.

Burke also pointed out that Jackson played more games in 2025 than Burrow despite dealing with a hamstring injury for much of the season. He also posted a better passer rating, leading the league with a 132.4 rating on 20-plus-yard throws, per PPF.

"Both quarterbacks should be ranked higher on the Top 100—they're undoubtedly top-five players at their position after all," Burke added.

For Jackson, though, the rankings aren't the priority. His focus remains on getting Baltimore back into contention in 2026.

Why did Burrow's place on the NFL Top 100 draw so much attention? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit