Eliminated Bengals to start Joe Burrow in final three games

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t planning to make a change under centre.

Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Monday that the Bengals plan to have Joe Burrow start the final three games of their regular-season schedule.

Burrow, who missed nine games this season due to a turf toe injury, has thrown for 959 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in five contests this year. But on Sunday, he delivered one of the most uncharacteristic performances of his career, tossing two interceptions and taking three sacks as Cincinnati didn’t score a single point.

“I think this is one of the worst games I’ve played,” Burrow said. “I’m honest with myself and my play. I hold myself to a high standard and today didn’t come close.”

So why run him back out for three games that are ultimately meaningless for the Bengals?

The loss dropped Cincinnati to 4-10 — the fifth-worst mark in the AFC — as its season has come off the rails, thanks to injuries and inconsistent play.

It will close out its 2025 schedule with games against the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns.