In 2024, San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey battled Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him for eight games. He also lost additional time dealing with a right knee problem and ended up missing the bulk of the season.
He returned in 2025 in dominant form. McCaffrey piled up 2,126 total yards last year, including 1,202 on the ground and 10 rushing touchdowns, performances that earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Early wagering interest has already shifted toward who might win the same honor following the 2026 season. Below are DraftKings Sportsbook’s early odds as of Sept. 15:
– Patrick Mahomes: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
– Aaron Donald: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
– Jaylen Daniels: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
– Malik Nabers: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
– Kyler Murray: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
– Fred Warner: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
– Daniel Jones: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
– Cam Skattebo: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
– Micah Parsons: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
– George Kittle: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
– Travis Hunter: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
A few notes on the board:
– The favorite: Patrick Mahomes suffered torn ACL and LCL ligaments in the Chiefs’ Week 15 game against the Chargers and had surgery the following day. Remarkably, he was back in the lineup to start Kansas City’s Week 1 victory over the Broncos, finishing that game with 184 passing yards, two touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and an interception.
– Aaron’s return: Aaron Donald came out of retirement to rejoin the Rams but did not play in their Week 1 matchup in Australia, a 27-7 loss to the 49ers. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year’s comeback is timely, especially with news that two-time DPOY Myles Garrett will be sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury.
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Fan take: Comeback narratives — from McCaffrey’s 2025 resurgence to Mahomes’ rapid return from major knee surgery — are among the most compelling storylines in the NFL, because they reshape expectations for teams and individual legacies. For the sport, these recoveries boost fan engagement and betting activity while highlighting how injury management and medical advances can quickly change competitive landscapes.
Source: www.foxsports.com
