NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds – Damar Hamlin Now Odds-On Favorite
- Damar Hamlin potentially could return to play for the Bills following last season’s cardiac arrest
- He’s the odds-on favorite in the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award odds
- See the odds and other possibilities to win CPOY, following Geno Smith’s win this past season
It was as scary a sight as you’ll ever see at a sporting event – in early January, Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed following a tackle, and the world held its collective breath. Thankfully, despite the incredibly scary cardiac arrest, the amazing medical team were able to stabilize him and he’s pulling through. There’s now rumors that he could potentially be back out playing this upcoming season for Buffalo, which would be met with universal love and adulation.
If he’s able to suit up again, Hamlin instantly becomes a massive favorite to become the Comeback Player of the Year for the 2023 season. He was already the favorite in the NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds at +250, but that line has shifted even more to his side to make him the odds-on -150 fave to win CPOY. Read on to see the odds for the top-20 players to potentially win the Comeback Player of the Year.
2023 Comeback Player of the Year Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Damar Hamlin (Bills) | -150 |
| Trey Lance (49ers) | +750 |
| Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) | +800 |
| Russell Wilson (Broncos) | +900 |
| Lamar Jackson (Unsigned) | +950 |
| Cooper Kupp (Rams) | +1000 |
| Matthew Stafford (Rams) | +1200 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo (Raiders) | +1400 |
| Breece Hall (Jets) | +1400 |
| Javonte Williams (Broncos) | +1400 |
| Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) | +1600 |
| Rashod Bateman (Ravens) | +1700 |
| Von Miller (Bills) | +1800 |
| T.J. Watt (Steelers) | +1800 |
| Kyler Murray (Cardinals) | +1800 |
| Chase Young (Commanders) | +1800 |
| John Metchie III (Texans) | +1800 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. (Unsigned) | +2000 |
| Jonathan Taylor (Colts) | +2000 |
| Derek Carr (Saints) | +2000 |
Hamlin is the odds-on favorite at -150. 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, who was injured early last season (ankle) is the closet pursuer to the Bills Safety. Tua Tagovailoa, who battled concussions with the Dolphins last year, is the third choice, with Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson rounding out the top-five. Odds as of March 30th at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Last month, Hamlin was +250 to win CPOY, but with more encouraging signs that he may be able to compete this coming again, those have shortened considerably to -150.
Hamlin the Heavy Favorite
Quite simply, if Damar Hamlin’s health allows him to step foot on an NFL field this fall, it will be incredibly unlikely anybody else could win the Comeback Player of the Year Award over him. There has been steady progress that he’s made, so much so that there’s a belief he’ll be able to play in 2023 for Buffalo.
NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer guarantees that Damar Hamlin “will play professional football again” following his cardiac arrest
(via @SIRIUSXM) pic.twitter.com/MhQiHOCCEk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2023
NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer made the proclamation last month that Hamlin would suit up again, as he continues to improve in his progress.
The Bills are providing comprehensive support to Damar Hamlin as he prepares to possibly play again. https://t.co/XXEv0et334
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 26, 2023
It’s important to note, however, that he hasn’t officially been cleared by doctors to resume his NFL career. While things continue to look good on that front, it’s far from a guarantee, so he’s certainly no shoo-in to win the award.
Other Possible Options
If Hamlin isn’t able to make it back for the 2023 campaign, there are other players who would be in line to win CPOY, led by 49ers pivot Trey Lance. He’s had a really tough time staying on the field, playing a total of eight games in two seasons after being the third overall pick in 2021. If he’s able to win San Fran’s starting QB battle and play at the level that was expected of him coming out of the draft, he’d be a solid candidate.
Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t able to play in four games last year as he had two confirmed concussions and one suspected in 2022 as well. He was playing some fantastic football for the Dolphins before the health concerns. He’d be the better wager over Lance, considering we’ve seen him play at a high level in the early stages of his career and some wondered if he should ever play again.
CPOY Best Bet
Damar Hamlin has had to endure an insane amount of adversity just to get to this point in his life. His story is inspirational, in what would have been absolute tragedy. The only way he realistically does not win this award is if he can’t play at all. Should be line up on Sundays in the fall, you’d have to think he’d all but certainly take the CPOY.
Pick: Damar Hamlin to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year (-150)
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Michael "Hound Dog" Harrison is well known in the sports industry as the resident statistician for the SC with Jay Onrait Show. He has worked at TSN for over 16 years, where he's been featured on Sportscentre, That's Hockey, That's Hockey 2Nite, The Masters preview shows, and several more.
