The NFL CPOY betting odds board is topped by two studs who are enjoying bounce-back seasons.
Injuries struck down some of the biggest names in the game last season, including CPOY odds-on favorite Dak Prescott, who has looked strong while helping the Dallas Cowboys dominate their division.
Let's see who follows Prescott with our updated NFL betting odds for the 2021 Comeback Player of the Year Award.
NFL Comeback Player of the Year betting odds
| Dak Prescott | -300 |
| Joe Burrow | +700 |
| Jameis Winston | +1,800 |
| Derwin James Jr. | +1,800 |
| Danielle Hunter | +2,000 |
| Carson Wentz | +2,500 |
| Michael Thomas | +2,500 |
| Saquon Barkley | +4,000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of October 26, 2021.
Favorites to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Dak Prescott has led the Dallas Cowboys to an NFC East-best 5-1 start and is a heavy favorite to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award at -300 odds. The Cowboys QB has boldly re-asserted himself as one of the game's best after a gruesome ankle injury derailed his 2020 season. Prescott has thrown three-plus touchdowns in five of his six games and has inserted himself in the MVP odds mix, too, coming in tied for second alongside Kyler Murray on the odds board at +450.
This is clearly Prescott's award to lose.
Joe Burrow, who, like Prescott, also suffered a devastating injury last season, remains in the No. 2 spot after a Week 7 trouncing of the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals are having their best season in years, getting out to a 5-2 start with both of their losses coming by three points, including one in overtime. While Burrow's stats don't pop like Dak's, he has had his moments (like a season-high 416-yard performance in Week 7) and should stay near the top if the Bengals keep playing well.
Jameis Winston is tied for third at +1,800. While not having a great individual season, he’s the starting quarterback for the 4-2 New Orleans Saints a year after sitting on the sidelines and watching Drew Brees’ farewell tour. He’s only thrown for 1,114 yards through six games but has thrown 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Tied with Winston is Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who has bounced back from a meniscus tear to put up decent numbers in L.A.'s secondary, including 16 tackles in a Week 5 win over Cleveland.
Rounding out the Top 5 at +2,000 is Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter.
NFL Comeback Player of the Year Betting Trends
• Over the last 19 years, the NFL CPOY Award has been handed out to quarterbacks on 13 occasions.
• Although Ryan Tannehill won the award in 2019 after bouncing back from a poor 2018 season, in recent years the NFL CPOY Award has been handed out to players coming off significant injuries. Over a five-year period from 2014 to 2018, every Comeback Player of the Year had suffered a season-ending injury during the previous year — and Alex Smith won in 2020 after recovering from a devastating leg injury that almost required amputation.
• Only one player has ever won this award more than once (Chad Pennington in 2006 and 2008).
Who are previous NFL Comeback Player of the Year award winners?
| Year | NFL CPOY winner |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Alex Smith |
| 2019 | Ryan Tannehill |
| 2018 | Andrew Luck |
| 2017 | Keenan Allen |
| 2016 | Jordy Nelson |
| 2015 | Eric Berry |
| 2014 | Rob Gronkowski |
| 2013 | Philip Rivers |
| 2012 | Peyton Manning |
| 2011 | Matthew Stafford |
| 2010 | Michael Vick |
| 2009 | Tom Brady |
| 2008 | Chad Pennington |
How to bet on NFL awards odds?
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when wagering on NFL awards betting odds.
Change your strategy at different points in the season
NFL awards odds will be adjusted by sportsbooks as the season goes on. In the preseason and the early weeks of the regular season, betting on dark horses can prove very profitable. As the season continues, expect to see odds tighten around the favorites. At that point, it becomes wise to focus on the players near the top of the odds board and betting big underdogs is unwise.
Look for value with underdogs
Live long shots can provide tremendous value. Look at younger players on the verge of breaking out, or guys that have already been playing at a high level but could take the next step now that they are in an ideal situation with a new team, coach or system. Other players that can give a great payout are established stars coming off under-performing seasons due to injuries or other factors.
Follow the narrative
When placing futures bets on individual awards, keep in mind that voters, not a scoreboard, are often the deciding factor. Voters can be influenced by a variety of factors, including media coverage and public opinion. Consider what the media narrative is for a particular season and which players they seem to be rooting for and against.
Research historical trends
Historical trends, especially recent ones, can give you a good idea of which way voters tend to lean. For example, the NFL MVP has been handed out to a quarterback in 12 of the last 13 seasons. Identifying those trends is a good way to separate the true contenders from the pretenders.
Where can I bet on NFL awards?
Most online books and casinos offer futures bets on NFL awards and odds generally begin to appear after free agency and the NFL Draft. Check out the NFL futures odds at the best sportsbooks available in your area.
