Bengals vs. Chiefs: Who has the edge on offense?

3. Comparing the quarterbacks

From the moment Patrick Mahomes stepped foot onto an NFL football field, he was essentially considered the best quarterback of all time. While that might be a bit hyperbolic, by the time the curtains come down on his career, it could be an accurate statement.

At the moment, a Lombardi Trophy, multiple Pro Bowl nods, and a regular season, as well as a Super Bowl MVP, are currently sitting on his mantle in his palatial estate. Considering how mind-numbingly great he’s been during the regular season this year, he isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Mahomes wrapped up his fourth season as a full-time starter having thrown for 4,839 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

In comparison, Joe Burrow was otherworldly during the regular season as well. In fact, as we sit back and sift through the numbers, you can make the case that Burrow was even better. Joe Cool threw for 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He took his protection of the football to another level during the final four games of the season, throwing zero picks during that stretch. We also can’t forget that Burrow led the league in completion percentage at 70.4%.

Could we give the edge to Burrow in the regular season? Possibly, but being candid, we’re splitting hairs. Nonetheless, when the lights are at their absolute brightest, Mahomes will be head and shoulders the better of the two during the AFC Championship Game.

Mahomes numbers, thus far, these playoffs, dwarf Burrows.

• Mahomes: 782 passing yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT, 75.9%
• Burrow: 592 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 73.2%

Verdict: Chiefs

Granted, Burrow outplayed Mahomes considerably during their regular season win earlier this year. The sophomore starter threw 446 yards and four touchdowns while completing 76.9% of his passes, compared to just 259 yards and two touchdowns for Mahomes. Still, despite Burrow having the one up, Mahomes is far and away the better QB.

Joe Burrow is on his way to becoming one of the greatest QBs in the world. However, while we have confidence that he’ll one day reach that level, Mahomes is already there.