Joe Burrow has become one of the NFL’s most prolific passers since entering the league in 2020. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback now ranks first among NFL quarterbacks in average passing touchdowns per regular-season game, ahead of Patrick Mahomes and several all-time greats.
Burrow has thrown 180 touchdown passes in 85 regular-season appearances, an average of 2.118 per game. Mahomes is close behind with 281 touchdowns in 134 games, or about 2.097 per game. Peyton Manning averaged 2.03 touchdowns across his career, while Drew Brees averaged 1.99.
## Burrow’s touchdown pace stands out
The figures place Burrow ahead of a group that includes some of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. Mahomes is widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, while Manning and Brees have already been inducted.
Burrow’s career has also included interruptions due to injury. He played 10 games in both his 2020 rookie season and the 2023 season, and appeared in eight games in 2025. His touchdown average reflects his production per game, but maintaining the top spot will depend on continuing to score at this pace.
## Strong 2026 season sets up Steelers rematch
Burrow’s place atop the ranking comes during another standout season. Through eight games in 2026, he has thrown 23 touchdown passes and six interceptions while completing an NFL-leading 74.0% of his attempts.
On November 1, Burrow passed for 462 yards and five touchdowns in Cincinnati’s 43–36 win over the Tennessee Titans. He followed that with three passing touchdowns and a rushing score in the Bengals’ 34–17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid on November 8. The Bengals also announced that Burrow had earned his third consecutive FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week award.
Cincinnati improved to 6–2, setting up an important AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Pittsburgh beat the Bengals 30–27 earlier in the season, despite Burrow throwing for 282 yards and three touchdowns. With both teams entering the rematch at 6–2, the result could have a major effect on the division race.
