A surprising new favorite edges Patrick Mahomes in 2023 MVP odds

Burrow leapfrogging Mahomes comes as a bit of a surprise given he’s been held out of practice and limited to rehabilitation activities, while Mahomes hasn’t missed a beat, making a number of highlight-reel throws during practice on Tuesday.

Mahomes, Burrow and Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen all opened the season in a three-way tie for the favorites to win MVP at +650. Allen’s odds are now +750.

There’s been no definitive timeline for his return, but Bengals head coach Zac Taylor estimated it would be multiple weeks before Burrow was fully cleared to return to practice.

Burrow sat out the Bengals' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers over the weekend, but he did begin throwing for the first time since his injury. He was even seen jogging on the sidelines without a sleeve on his calf — an indication he’s getting closer to returning.

"He's been rehabbing quite a bit," Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan told ESPN last week. "He's doing a good job and to have him out at practice is always beneficial. Guys like seeing him too. I think you saw everybody excited to have him out, standing around watching."

If Burrow does indeed win the MVP this season, he would be the first person not named Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson to win the award since 2017. Mahomes won last year and in 2018. Burrow finished fourth in MVP voting in 2022.