Expert prediction
Comeback Player of the Year Futures: Best Bets After Major Injuries
- Kervin Coleman
- Jul 26, 2025 at 12:51 PM EDT
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
As preseason hype builds, bettors are already eyeing the NFL’s 2025 Comeback Player of the Year futures market. Based on current odds, here are the top candidates returning from injury who are worth considering at VegasOdds.
Aidan Hutchinson (DE, Detroit Lions)
Odds: +250 to +300
Hutchinson is the early favorite across sportsbooks, recovering from a serious tibia/fibula fracture suffered in Week 6 last season. Prior to the injury, he’d posted solid pass‑rush numbers. Bettors are banking on him returning to double‑digit sacks in Detroit’s revamped defense.
Aidan Hutchinson tib/fib rehab video
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) April 4, 2025
-6mo post
-Clunky running is gone. Now looking real good 👍 with lateral cutting motions. Should be full go this offseasonpic.twitter.com/ibiMTH2zre
Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
Odds: +300 to +370
McCaffrey’s 2024 campaign was derailed by PCL and calf injuries, limiting him to just four games. A healthy CMC remains one of the league’s most productive offensive weapons. Returning to MVP‑caliber usage could earn him the narrative vote in award time.
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY IS LOOKING HEALTHY AND MOVING AT AN ELITE SPEED.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 4, 2025
👀
CMC IS BACK.
pic.twitter.com/dCWlUT5szD
Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas Cowboys)
Odds: +325 to +375
Prescott ended last season early with a severe hamstring injury. When healthy, he has historically posted high-volume passing seasons. With the Cowboys looking to rebound, a strong comeback campaign could put him in the mix.
Not only is Dak Prescott moving with Lamar Jackson level athleticism as displayed here, but that specific throw, no other QB in the NFL is making that throw. pic.twitter.com/nJLs13RECn
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@E_TheCowboysFan) July 24, 2025
Sleeper Longshot Picks
- Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars) – Odds: +450 to +500: Lawrence’s 2024 was cut short due to a concussion and AC joint injury. Now healthy and entering a prove-it year under new leadership, he could regain top-tier consistency—making +500 a solid value bet.
- J.J. McCarthy (QB, Minnesota Vikings) – Odds: +650 to +900: McCarthy missed all of 2024 with a torn meniscus. Now expected to take over Minnesota’s starting job, the rookie’s dual-threat upside and narrative arc provide sleeper appeal for bettors looking long term.
- Rashee Rice (WR, Chiefs) – Odds: +1400 to +1500: Legal issues aside, if he returns midseason and revives KC’s receiving corps, his story could ignite.
- Brandon Aiyuk (WR, 49ers) – Odds: +1400 to +3000: Coming off a significant injury in 2024, Aiyuk could step into a WR1 role and grab narrative traction.
- Nick Chubb (RB, Texans) – Odds: +5500: Returning from ACL/MCL woes, Chubb offers sentimental appeal and longshot juice if healthy late in the season.
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