Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings Eligibility for Comeback Player of the Year

Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings Unexpected Journey

The Vikings’ quarterback Darnold has taken the NFL by storm in 2024. After years of being labeled a bust and bouncing around the league, Darnold has found his groove, leading the Vikings to a playoff push and turning heads with his impressive play. The narrative is compelling: a former top draft pick written off by many, now thriving in a new environment.

This rise has sparked a curious debate: Is Darnold eligible to win the Comeback Player of the Year (CPOY) award? By the traditional criteria, he may not qualify. The award typically honors players returning from severe injury, illness, or other significant adversity. Yet sportsbooks are offering odds on him, suggesting he’s in the mix.

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The Betting Landscape

Darnold is currently listed at -115, tied with Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals for the shortest odds to win the award. This is where things get murky. Officially, Darnold doesn’t meet the CPOY criteria, as his comeback story is performance-based rather than overcoming a specific hardship. So why is he on the board?

Here’s the likely reason: Sportsbooks know bettors love a good redemption arc. Darnold’s resurgence fits the narrative that fans and media gravitate toward, and odds are being posted to capitalize on the buzz.

But there’s a catch—if Darnold truly isn’t eligible, anyone betting on him could be throwing money away. The NFL’s awards committee could rule him out when ballots are cast, leaving bettors holding losing tickets regardless of his on-field heroics.

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Should You Bet on Darnold?

The short answer: Proceed with caution.

Unless the NFL officially clarifies Darnold’s eligibility, wagering on him for CPOY is risky. Instead, consider other viable options:

1. Burrow (-110): Burrow returned from a calf injury to lead the Bengals back into playoff contention. While not as inspiring as Damar Hamlin’s story, Burrow’s elite play gives him a strong case.

2. Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills (+1500): As long as Hamlin takes the field this season after his life-threatening cardiac arrest, his story remains the sentimental favorite. Even limited playing time could sway voters.

3. JK Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers (+2000): Despite tearing his Achilles earlier this season, Dobbins is reportedly targeting a miraculous late-season return. If he contributes meaningfully, his story could rival anyone’s.

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The Case for Darnold

If we remove eligibility concerns, Darnold’s case is compelling. He’s thrown for over 3,000 yards with 25 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions through Week 10, leading the Vikings to an 8-2 record. His poise, decision-making, and leadership have transformed a franchise desperate for stability at quarterback.

But the issue remains: does the NFL see a performance resurgence as grounds for CPOY? If not, Darnold’s incredible season will go unrewarded in this category, regardless of how deserving he may seem.

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Final Thoughts

Darnold’s resurgence is one of the most captivating stories of the 2024 NFL season. While his play might merit Comeback Player of the Year consideration in spirit, the letter of the law may exclude him. For bettors, the best move might be to avoid this market entirely until the NFL clarifies its criteria—or consider safer bets like Burrow or Hamlin.

One thing is certain: Darnold’s story is far from over, and whether he wins the award or not, his performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.