Damar Hamlin’s recovery has been inspiring, miraculous and heartwarming. Oddsmakers might like the story a bit too much for your money.
We all know that award voters love a narrative. And sure enough, at least one sports betting app had Hamlin as the odds-on favorite to win the Comeback Player of the Year award at the end of the 2023 NFL season.
As of Monday, DraftKings pinned Hamlin at +175 to win the award, followed by 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (+650) and Tua Tagovailoa (+750). The full odds can be found below.
| Damar Hamlin +175 |
| Trey Lance +650 |
| Tua Tagovailoa +700 |
| Lamar Jackson +750 |
| Russell Wilson +800 |
| Cooper Kupp +900 |
| Matthew Stafford +1000 |
| Jimmy Garaoppolo +1200 |
| Breece Hall +1200 |
| Javonte Williams +1400 |
Will Hamlin play this year? If yes, he will probably win the award in a landslide.
Despite the fantastic story, recovery, and incredible sentiments, he should be ineligible if he does not play. But if he can even get on the field for a single snap, voters will eat it up, and he will likely win.
For now, he is not a bet at +175, given the fact that he might not play at all. Let’s wait for more information, as there are plenty of intriguing contenders further down the odds board.