The 2026-27 NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds are now open for new action at legal online sportsbooks. The current betting favorite is Christian McCaffrey (), with Dak Prescott () tailing.
Latest NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds for 2026
Breaking down previous NFL Comeback Player of the Year winners
The table below has details on the last decade of NFL Comeback Player of the Year award winners.
| Year | Player | Team | Came back from? | Age |
| 2024 | Joe Burrow | Bengals | Wrist surgery (November 2023) | 28 |
| 2023 | Joe Flacco (QB) | Browns | Declining performance | 38 |
| 2022 | Geno Smith (QB) | Seahawks | Took over starting role | 33 |
| 2021 | Joe Burrow (QB) | Bengals | Return from knee surgery | 25 |
| 2020 | Alex Smith (QB) | Washington | Missed entire season — leg injury | 36 |
| 2019 | Ryan Tannehill (QB) | Titans | Trade from Dolphins | 31 |
| 2018 | Andrew Luck (QB) | Colts | Lost season — shoulder injury | 29 |
| 2017 | Keenan Allen (WR) | Chargers | Torn ACL in previous season opener | 25 |
| 2016 | Jordy Nelson (WR) | Packers | Lost season — torn ACL | 31 |
| 2015 | Eric Berry (S) | Chiefs | Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and treatment | 27 |
The NFL Comeback Player of the Year award has recognized some of the league’s most memorable return stories in recent seasons. Winners have overcome significant injuries, revived their careers, or bounced back from difficult campaigns to make a major impact on the field.
Alex Smith’s remarkable return from a severe leg injury earned him the award in 2020, followed by Joe Burrow in 2021 after recovering from a torn ACL. Geno Smith completed an impressive career resurgence in 2022, while Joe Flacco claimed the honor in 2023 after revitalizing the Cleveland Browns during a late-season run.
Burrow won the award for a second time in 2024 after returning from wrist surgery and leading the NFL in both passing yards and touchdown passes. He became just the second player in league history to receive Comeback Player of the Year honors twice.
Comeback Player of the Year odds tracker
Here’s a look at the odds for Comeback Player of the Year award contenders and the movement since the initial release of lines at sports betting sites in the US. Click on the current odds if you wish to place a bet.
| Player | Current Odds | July 22 Odds | Opening Odds |
| Aidan Hutchinson | +285 | +250 | |
| Dak Prescott | +290 | +310 | |
| Christian McCaffrey | +315 | +300 | |
| Trevor Lawrence | +500 | +450 | |
| J.J. McCarthy | +750 | +700 | |
| Nick Chubb | +4750 | +4000 | |
| Maxx Crosby | +2500 | +2250 | |
| Daniel Jones | +2500 | N/A | |
| Stefon Diggs | +2750 | +2900 | |
| Tua Tagovailoa | +2050 | +2000 | |
| Chris Godwin | +3250 | +3250 | |
| Rashee Rice | +1400 | +1300 | |
| Deshaun Watson | +5000 | +4500 | |
| Brandon Aiyuk | +3500 | +2750 |
History of quarterbacks winning Comeback Player of the Year
Quarterbacks have dominated the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in recent years, winning each of the past six seasons. That streak followed a four-year stretch in which players at other positions claimed the honor, after quarterbacks had previously won six consecutive awards.
The betting market reflects that trend, with quarterbacks typically occupying most of the top spots on the preseason odds board. Many of the early favorites are returning from significant injuries, making them strong candidates if they can stay healthy and lead successful comeback seasons.
Recent voting has reinforced the importance of both performance and narrative, as voters tend to reward players who overcome adversity while playing a key role in their team’s success. As the season unfolds, health, team record, and statistical production often have the biggest impact on the race.
NFL Comeback Player of the Year FAQ
Chad Pennington won the award in 2006 as a member of the New York Jets and in 2008 with the Miami Dolphins. Chargers RB Paul Lowe won the award in 1963 and 1965.
The Chargers have produced the most Comeback Player of the Year award winners with five. Keenan Allen (2017) was the team’s most recent winner. The Patriots are next with four.
The AP Comeback Player of the Year was first awarded in 1963. Through 1966, one NFL and one AFL player each received an award. The honor was sidelined from 1967 to 1997 and has been awarded annually since 1998.
Yes. The award is open to players at any position, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and defensive players, as long as they have overcome injury, illness, or other setbacks to return to the field.