Patrick Mahomes was the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In that way, Cincinnati Bengals' No.1 2020 overall pick is junior to him. Yet, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback once shared in an interview how Burrow has been his favorite.

"I like watching Josh [Allen] a lot," Mahomes said in one of the episodes of First Things First podcast back in May 2024. "We play a lot of similar opponents. I like watching C.J. Stroud a lot now. Then I would say probably Joe [Burrow]. We play the same teams, and so watching him play definitely gives me some ideas of what we can do as an offense."

Prior to the 2024 season, Burrow’s 2023 campaign was cut short due to a wrist injury. However, that did not dampen Mahomes’s view on Burrow. It was mainly because of what he had produced till 2023. Burrow already had a Pro Bowl feather in his cap from the 2022 campaign, holding the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021.

In the same year, he also became the NFL completion percentage leader. Burrow helped lead Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and another trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2022, while throwing for more than 4,400 yards and at least 34 touchdowns in each season.

As two of the NFL’s standout young quarterbacks, Mahomes and Burrow are often compared, though Mahomes’ three Super Bowl titles keep him ahead in most discussions. Burrow, meanwhile, understands the challenge Mahomes presents and has remained respectful toward him.

"Pat is one of one," Burrow said ahead of the 2024 face-off against the Chiefs. "He's really exceptional at extending the play, going on the move, trying to buy that extra tick for guys that get open and really understands the game. So, it's always a big challenge going up against him.”

The last time the two faced off was in 2024, when Kansas City defeated Cincinnati 26-25. After a year off, Mahomes and Burrow will be facing each other again this season.

The 2026 Season Sets Up a Patrick Mahomes vs Joe Burrow Clash

The two teams are set to meet in Week 14. Mahomes and Kansas City will be traveling on the road for what could be a crucial game in the playoff race. It’s going to be an important matchup for Burrow, too, who has an opportunity to secure his first road victory against Burrow.

Although Mahomes owns a winning overall record in the head-to-head matchup, none of those victories have come away from home. The pressure is also rising. After all, few quarterbacks have challenged Mahomes consistently on the biggest stage, but Burrow is one of them.

His victory in the 2021 AFC Championship Game made him one of only two active starters, alongside Jalen Hurts, to defeat the Chiefs' star in a major playoff matchup.

Since the 2023 season, Mahomes has consistently gotten the better of Burrow, winning both matchups against Cincinnati. Now, he has the chance to prove that even a road environment against the Bengals is no longer a hurdle.

Will Mahomes beat the quarterback he enjoys watching? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar