Comeback Player of the Year Odds 2023: Tagovailoa Closing on Hamlin as Favorite

Our 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award odds show that Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is maintaining his lead atop the board, but Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is beginning to close in. Here's our look at the Comeback Player of the Year odds from our best NFL betting sites.

Damar Hamlin's heartwarming journey continues, and it's just taking a few extra weeks for him to return to the field.

Hamlin made the Buffalo Bills' roster after being cleared to resume football activities earlier during the offseason. The defensive back unsurprisingly wasn't active during Week 1 or 2, but he could serve as special teams and secondary depth down the road. 

Just being on the roster is significant after he needed CPR on the field late in the 2022-23 season and was rushed to a Cincinnati hospital in critical condition.

However, with Hamlin's actual return date still unknown, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is now closing in as the second favorite amid his torrid statistical start to the season.

Here is our look at the leading 2023 Comeback Player of the Year odds from our best sports betting sites.

Comeback Player of the Year odds 2023

Comeback Player of the Year odds as of Sept. 19.

Comeback Player of the Year odds analysis

Hamlin remains the favorite in this market, and it feels like he'll win easily if he takes the field at all. However, his inactivity and Tagovailoa's hot start after his troubles with concussions in 2022 are leading to this market tightening up.

If you're looking for a long shot in a market that's usually more unpredictable, go to DraftKings.  Among our best sportsbooks, that shop is offering easily the top prices on Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford, two mid-tier contenders who have started the season strong.

Comeback Player of the Year odds movement

Among the movement coming out of Week 2 was the rise of Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III, who missed his rookie campaign amid a leukemia battle. His NFL debut was rather quiet, but Metchie will draw the attention of voters if he's able to make an impact for the struggling Texans.

Elsewhere, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield climbing while starting 2-0. He's on his fourth NFL team in a little over a year and is seamlessly replacing Tom Brady under center for the Bucs.

Favorite for the Comeback Player of the Year 2023

Damar Hamlin (-115 via DraftKings)

The odds for Hamlin to be the Comeback Player of the Year continue to spike while he remains inactive early in the season. Unlike with most award futures markets, and conventionally this one as well, Hamlin won't need to play a significant portion of the season to win. He just needs to return to the field, so bettors are wise to remain patient as this price continues to climb.

The idea of Hamlin stepping onto the field after what he endured is a wonderful feat and by all means he deserves to win. 

Comeback Player of the Year odds 2023: Contender

Tua Tagovailoa (+300 via FanDuel)

Tagovailoa is the new consensus favorite to be the NFL MVP. While the Offensive Player of the Year has long served as the consolation prize to that market, Tagovailoa isn't listed among the favorites or contenders through two weeks. 

If his stellar play continues but the Dolphins' team success tails off as the schedule toughens, watch for him to get recognition as the Comeback Player of the Year after his 2022 concerns with concussions. A ticket on him is a nice one to hold if Hamlin can't play in a game.

Comeback Player of the Year odds: Long shot

John Metchie III (+5000 via FanDuel)

This hanging +5000 ticket from FanDuel is very appealing next to the far lower +1400 odds bet365 is offering following Metchie's NFL debut. He caught his lone target against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 for a 17-yard gain. His odds will fall quickly if his workload increases over the next few weeks.

Recent Comeback Player of the Year winners

• 2022: Geno Smith - QB Seattle Seahawks
• 2021: Joe Burrow - QB Cincinnati Bengals
• 2020: Alex Smith - QB Washington Football Team
• 2019: Ryan Tannehill - QB Tennessee Titans
• 2018: Andrew Luck - QB Indianapolis Colts
• 2017: Keenan Allen - WR Los Angeles Chargers
• 2016: Jordy Nelson - WR Green Bay Packers
• 2015: Eric Berry - S Kansas City Chiefs
• 2014: Rob Gronkowski - TE New England Patriots
• 2013: Philip Rivers - QB San Diego Chargers

NFL betting odds pages

Comeback Player of the Year FAQs

Who is the favorite for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year?

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is a heavy favorite for the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award with odds as short as -150.

Who won NFL Comeback Player of the Year last year?

Geno Smith won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022.

When will NFL Comeback Player of the Year be awarded?

The NFL Comeback Player of the Year award will be presented after the conclusion of the 2023 season.

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