The 2025 NFL preseason has delivered an encouraging storyline for fantasy football managers as recent reports highlight Joe Burrow's impressive return to form. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, currently ranked as the preseason QB5 in fantasy drafts, showcased exactly why he deserves premium consideration for your 2025 fantasy roster.
Historic Preseason Performance Sets Tone
Burrow's preseason debut against Philadelphia marked a significant departure from his typical approach. Having thrown only eight preseason passes in his entire career before this game, the 28-year-old quarterback exceeded expectations with a nearly flawless quarter of work. Completing 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 38-yard scoring strike to Ja'Marr Chase while under pressure, Burrow demonstrated the elite chemistry that made him fantasy's QB4 last season.
"None of us were alive to see Da Vinci paint, but we do get to watch Burrow-to-Chase, which is as close as we're ever going to get."
This artistic comparison from CBS Sports perfectly captures why the Burrow-Chase connection remains must-watch football and elite fantasy production. Chase hauled in four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown on just two possessions, immediately picking up where their record-setting 2024 campaign left off.
Building on Elite 2024 Foundation
Burrow's 2024 season established him as a premium fantasy asset, throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 70.6% of his passes. His 21.93 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats ranked fourth among quarterbacks, making him an anchor for championship teams. The key difference for 2025? He's entering the season completely healthy and with renewed focus on avoiding the slow starts that have plagued Cincinnati in recent years.
Coach Zac Taylor's decision to play starters extensively in preseason reflects this urgency. "Since Burrow took over as the starting QB, the Bengals are 1-9 in the first two weeks of the season, so Taylor is likely hoping to avoid another slow start," according to analysis of the team's strategic shift.
Fantasy Football Investment Strategy
In half-PPR formats, Burrow presents compelling value as the QB5. His combination of high-volume passing, touchdown upside, and proven chemistry with elite weapons makes him an ideal foundation piece. The preseason performance confirms his health status while demonstrating continued rapport with Chase, Tanner Hudson, and emerging talents like Chase Brown.
"Defense, we're trying not to show a lot of what was going on, so we're trying to keep it as a little as possible and let some guys win one-on-ones. And today, there was a lot of 50-50 plays that I thought Philly made."
Taylor's assessment of the defensive struggles actually benefits Burrow's fantasy outlook. If Cincinnati's defense continues requiring offensive firepower to keep pace, Burrow's weekly ceiling remains elevated throughout 2025.
Risk and Reward Assessment
While Burrow averaged 11 fumbles in his healthy seasons, his elite passing production far outweighs turnover concerns. The 43 passing touchdowns from 2024 tied for second in the NFL, and his 108.54 passer rating demonstrates consistent efficiency that translates to weekly QB1 production.
For fantasy managers seeking stable excellence with explosive upside, Joe Burrow's combination of health, weapons, and proven track record makes him worthy of early-round quarterback consideration in 2025 drafts.
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