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Sam Darnold's Comeback Player of the Year Odds Skyrocket Following J.J. McCarthy Injury

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has seen his Comeback Player of the Year odds skyrocket since rookie J.J. McCarthy went down with a knee injury.

Peter Dewey

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. McCarthy's meniscus injury has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL futures market, including the odds for the league's Comeback Player of the Year award.

A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy was battling with Sam Darnold for the starting quarterback job with the Minnesota Vikings before it was reported that he'd need surgery on a torn meniscus.

McCarthy's odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award plummeted as a result, and now it appears that Darnold is moving up the ladder to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award this season.

Sam Darnold Comeback Player of the Year Odds

At BetMGM Sportsbook, Darnold has moved from +5000 to +2000 to win the Comeback Player of the Year award in the 2024 season.

It appears that oddsmakers are preparing for Darnold to not only open the season as the Vikings' starter, but he could spend a good chunk of the season in the role.

If Darnold thrives in the starting job while McCarthy is on the shelf, it's going to be hard for the Vikings to take him out if they have a chance to make the playoffs.

After rebuilding his value in San Francisco following a slow start to his career with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold has a chance to turn around his NFL future this season.

The Comeback Player of the Year award may be the most likely market for Darnold to come away with an award, but one bettor took him to win the NFL MVP award in the 2024 season as well.

Last month, the bettor placed $250 on Darnold at 300-1 odds to win the NFL MVP award.

The Vikings quarterback is still a longshot to win MVP -- and he's never really played at that level in his NFL career -- but he is gaining some steam in the Comeback Player of the Year market with just a few weeks left before the regular season.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Peter Dewey
PETER DEWEY

Peter is a senior editor for Sports Illustrated Betting. He has worked as a writer and editor for BetSided, NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and more. A New York City resident, he is a hoops fanatic with a soft spot for his New York Knicks.

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