In each of the last six seasons a quarterback has won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year
award. Joe Burrow (2021), Geno Smith (2022), and Joe Flacco (2023) have been the most
recent recipients. And it’s no surprise QB’s are the favorite this season, including a couple who
are coming off major injuries. So, where is the value? We’ll try to find out.
Kirk Cousins, Falcons +200
The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a big money deal then drafted a quarterback to add to the
intrigue this season. Still, Cousins is expected to be the starter, although the leash could be
short as Michael Penix Jr. waits in the wings. Cousins blew his Achilles last year and should
bring some stability to the team who is considered the favorites in the AFC South.
Aaron Rodgers, Jets +260
Another player coming off an Achilles injury is Aaron Rodgers. After missing the entire season,
Rodgers will try to make amends in his second season in New York. The four-time MVP is fully
healthy and the Jets made enough moves to address the offensive line to go with some
offensive weapons. If Rodgers leads the Jets to the postseason, he will likely be the favorite to
win this award.
Joe Burrow, Bengals +500
Joe Burrow had to call it a season after wrist surgery after Week 11. The former first overall pick
will try to lead Cincinnati back to the AFC Championship Game for the third time in four
seasons. Burrow won this award back in 2021 after an ACL injury and if he can get the
Bengals back into the playoffs in the tough AFC North, he could earn his second Comeback
Player of the Year award.
Player to Watch
Nick Chubb, Browns +1200
Nick Chubb has had bad luck with knee injuries. In college he tore his MCL, PCL and LCL in
his left knee. And then last season in Week 2, another major knee injury that required two
surgeries to repair the MCL and ACL. There was talk he may never play again but he’s back
and if he can put together a season like 2022 when he ran for more than 1500 yards and 12
touchdowns, he’ll be in consideration. But a running back hasn’t won this award since Willie
McGahee did it back in 2004.
Comeback Player of the Year Odds
Kirk Cousins +200
Aaron Rodgers +260
Joe Burrow +500
Sam Darnold +700
Anthony Richardson +1100
Nick Chubb +1200
Daniel Jones +1600
Russell Wilson +2800
Kyler Murray +2800
J.K. Dobbins +3300
Deshaun Watson +4000
Tank Dell +4000
Justin Fields +5000
Joey Bosa +10000
Zach Wilson +10000





