Who is the early favorite for NFL Comeback Player of the Year?
Everyone likes a good comeback story, and the NFL is no stranger to redemption tales. So, even though the 2023 season hasn't officially started yet, DraftKings has already posted odds for which player its experts think will be tapped as the Comeback Player of the Year.
Here's a look at the early favorites.
Perhaps it's no surprise, but Damar Hamlin is far and away the early favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year at -285 odds. The Buffalo Bills safety already has an amazing story, returning to the gridiron after suffering cardiac arrest during a "Monday Night Football" game last season. He made an immediate impact when he took the field during the preseason as well, recording three solo tackles in a 23-19 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Expectations are high for Hamlin, and he looks set on exceeding them.
Starting quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Russell Wilson each have the next shortest odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award, although they are technically long shots at +2000 (or 20-1). Both players are coming off of down seasons, with Wilson's being plagued by an underperforming new team and Tagovailoa suffering multiple injuries, including an in-game concussion. Each QB is expected to have a bounce-back campaign, although it's tough to compete with Hamlin when it comes to winning the end-of-the-season honors.
A few other notable players DK can see winning Comeback Player of the Year include Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (25-1), Jets running back Breece Hall (25-1) and Rams tight end Cooper Kupp (30-1).
The 2023 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 7, with the biggest comeback player candidates starting Week 1 on Sunday, Sept. 10.
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