Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals wrap up a season filled with playoff intrigue and on-field resilience, fan polls have emerged to settle a key debate: who deserves the team’s MVP award? From local sports radio surveys to dedicated Bengals fan forums, thousands of supporters have cast their votes for the player who most defined the team’s success—whether through clutch performances, consistent leadership, or game-changing plays. The polls have narrowed the race to a handful of standout candidates, each bringing a unique impact to the Bengals’ push for the AFC North title and a deep playoff run. For fans, this vote isn’t just a popularity contest—it’s a way to honor the player who kept their hopes alive through tough losses and tight matchups. Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the top contenders, their vote shares, the reasons behind fan support, how injuries shaped the race, and what the results say about the Bengals’ team identity.

Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals opens with the top candidates leading the fan vote and their respective shares of support. According to a recent poll by Cincinnati’s 700 WLW Radio, which drew over 6,000 responses, quarterback Joe Burrow sits atop the leaderboard with 48% of the vote. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase follows closely with 27%, while kicker Evan McPherson (15%) and defensive end Trey Hendrickson (10%) round out the top four. A separate poll on the Bengals’ official fan forum, with over 3,500 participants, showed a similar breakdown: Burrow (45%), Chase (29%), McPherson (16%), and Hendrickson (10%). The consistency across polls highlights clear fan consensus on which players drove the Bengals’ success. “Burrow and Chase have been the face of this team for years, so it’s no surprise they’re leading,” said Scott Sloan, host of WLW’s Bengals-focused show. “But McPherson’s perfect field goal streak and Hendrickson’s pass-rush dominance have made this a closer race than many expected.” For fans, each candidate represents a different pillar of the Bengals’ success—offensive leadership, playmaking ability, special teams reliability, and defensive intensity.

Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into the reasons behind Burrow’s leading support, as fans highlight his resilience and clutch performances. Burrow, who threw for 4,100 yards and 28 touchdowns this season, led the Bengals through a mid-season slump, turning a 5-4 record into an 8-5 resurgence with three consecutive wins in December. Fans frequently cite his ability to perform under pressure: he’s thrown 12 fourth-quarter touchdowns, including game-winners against the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts. Even when the offensive line struggled with injuries, Burrow adjusted his playstyle—using quick passes and mobility to avoid sacks and keep drives alive. “Burrow is the heart of this team,” said one poll respondent in the WLW survey. “He never panics, even when we’re down. Without him, we wouldn’t be in the playoff hunt.” Another fan noted his leadership off the field: “He holds everyone accountable, from rookies to veterans. He’s not just a quarterback—he’s a leader.” For fans, Burrow’s combination of on-field excellence and team-first mentality makes him the clear MVP favorite.

Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals covers Chase’s strong showing and why fans see him as a worthy runner-up. Chase, who recorded 89 catches for 1,210 yards and 9 touchdowns this season, has been Burrow’s most reliable target, especially in big games. He’s averaged 13.6 yards per catch and has six 100-yard games, including a 150-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. Fans praise his ability to create separation from top cornerbacks and make contested catches—skills that have turned routine plays into game-changers. “Chase is the reason our passing game is so dangerous,” said a forum poll respondent. “Defenses have to double-team him, which opens up opportunities for other receivers. He makes everyone around him better.” Another fan highlighted his clutch moments: “His 45-yard catch against the Chiefs in Week 16 set up the game-winning field goal. That’s the kind of play that wins seasons.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Chase’s dynamic playmaking has been essential to keeping the offense balanced, and fans recognize that impact with their votes.

Another layer of Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals is McPherson’s surprising third-place finish, as his perfect field goal streak has made him a fan favorite. McPherson, who converted all 18 of his field goal attempts this season (including a career-long 58-yarder against the Cleveland Browns), has turned close games into wins, accounting for 68 points—nearly 20% of the Bengals’ total scoring. Fans emphasize his consistency in high-pressure situations: eight of his field goals came in the fourth quarter, including game-winners against the Bills, Colts, and Steelers. “McPherson is a weapon we can always count on,” said a poll respondent. “When the offense stalls, we know he’ll make the kick to put us ahead. He’s our safety net.” Another fan noted his impact on team morale: “His perfect streak gives the team confidence. When he lines up for a kick, we all know it’s going in.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s reliability has turned special teams into a strength, and fans have rewarded that consistency with their votes.

Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals explores Hendrickson’s fourth-place finish and why his defensive contributions haven’t been overlooked. Hendrickson, who recorded 11 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles, anchored a defensive line that improved dramatically in the second half of the season. He missed two games with a knee sprain but returned ahead of schedule, recording 4 sacks in his first three games back. Fans highlight his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, especially in divisional matchups: he sacked Lamar Jackson twice in the Bengals’ Week 11 win over the Baltimore Ravens and pressured Kenny Pickett into three interceptions against the Steelers. “Hendrickson is the reason our defense turned things around,” said a forum respondent. “He makes opposing offenses adjust their game plan, which helps the entire defense. He doesn’t get enough credit.” Another fan noted his leadership on defense: “He’s the vocal leader of the D-line. He keeps everyone focused and motivated.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Hendrickson’s pass-rush dominance has been critical to slowing down elite quarterbacks, and fans have acknowledged that impact with their votes.

Fan Polls on MVP Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals closes with what the poll results say about the Bengals’ team identity—and why this debate matters to fans. The tight race between Burrow, Chase, McPherson, and Hendrickson reflects a team built on balance: no single player carries the load alone, but each contributes to a shared goal. For fans, voting for MVP is a way to celebrate not just individual excellence, but the teamwork that defines the Bengals. “This poll isn’t about picking the ‘best’ player—it’s about picking the one who best represents what this team stands for,” said Sloan. “Burrow’s leadership, Chase’s playmaking, McPherson’s reliability, and Hendrickson’s intensity—they all embody the Bengals’ never-quit attitude.” As the Bengals head into the playoffs, the MVP debate has become a unifying force for fans, reminding them of the talent and resilience that makes their team a contender. Whether Burrow takes home the award or Chase stages a late comeback, one thing is clear: the Cincinnati Bengals have a roster full of MVPs, and fans are proud to celebrate them all.