Baker Mayfield Is 3-0 Against Joe Burrow, And Their Playoff Hopes Are Already On The Line

Baker Mayfield rolls into Sunday’s game against Joe Burrow with a perfect 3-0 starting record against him. Yeah, you heard that right, a perfect three wins to zero losses when he’s been the guy under center squaring off with Burrow. This isn’t just a random Week 1 matchup, it’s a critical game with a subplot nobody’s really talking about, and it could set the tone for the entire season.

Mayfield’s Perfect Run Against Burrow Is A Wild Ride

All three of Mayfield’s wins against Burrow happened back in 2020 and 2021, when Mayfield was slinging it for the Browns. Think about that for a second: three straight wins against a quarterback who’s usually an absolute nightmare to face. That’s a serious edge, a mental game that could play a huge role this Sunday. It wasn’t always a clean sheet, though. Mayfield did face Burrow again in 2022 when he was with the Panthers, but he wasn’t the starter for that one. P.J. Walker took the snaps for the opening whistle, and Mayfield only came into the game after halftime, with his team already down a brutal 35-0. So, that 3-0 record is strictly about the starts, making it even more potent for this Week 1 showdown.

Week 1: Stakes Are Already Sky High

Beyond the fascinating head-to-head record, this game between the Buccaneers and Bengals carries serious weight. Both of these teams desperately need to get off to a hot start if they have any shot at getting back to the playoffs. A loss right out of the gate, especially against a familiar foe, could put them in a tough hole early in the season. Every snap counts, and with the pressure on, that Mayfield-Burrow rivalry just adds another layer to an already important opener.

Another cool note for Week 1: the Buccaneers-Bengals isn’t the only game featuring a pair of Heisman Trophy winners going at it. Over in Charlotte, you’ve got Bears quarterback Caleb Williams squaring off against Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in another can’t-miss contest.

This Sunday, keep your eyes on the Buccaneers and Bengals. With Baker Mayfield aiming to extend his perfect record against Joe Burrow to 4-0 and both teams fighting for a strong start to their playoff dreams, it’s going to be an intense one.

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.