National Football League

J.J. McCarthy injury shifts Sam Darnold MVP, Comeback Player of the Year odds

Updated Aug. 14, 2024 3:16 p.m. ET

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J.J. McCarthy's rookie season is coming to a bleak end. The Vikings quarterback underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and will miss the 2024 season.

As a result, the betting odds are on the move as the Vikings head into the 2024 NFL season without its No. 10 draft pick.

One player in particular whose odds were impacted as a result of the McCarthy news is Sam Darnold.

Let's take a look at all the movement on the betting boards.

Darnold — the veteran QB who has been the anticipated starter since at least June — saw his odds for two major awards shorten, as it's likely now that he will take starter snaps as QB in Week 1.

His odds to win MVP went to +20000 from +30000 at FanDuel Sportsbook, which still makes him a long shot to win the top individual trophy.

However, Darnold's Comeback Player of the Year odds shifted drastically.

Those odds shortened to +1200 from +3000 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Darnold now has the sixth-best odds to win the award, trailing only Aaron Rodgers (+140), Joe Burrow (+300), Kirk Cousins (+500), Anthony Richardson (+650) and Nick Chubb (+900). 

Even before McCarthy's injury, some experts were backing Darnold as a long shot to win Comeback Player of the Year. FOX Sports gambling contributor Will Hill made the argument for him to win this honor back in June at a much better price.

"Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has a reputation for being able to develop quarterbacks and maximize their potential, and Darnold has the surrounding weapons to flourish, with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as well as free-agent addition Aaron Jones at running back," Hill wrote at the time. 

Hill added that if Darnold can "lead the Vikings to the playoffs with a talented roster alongside him, he is going to be viewed as a great redemption story, and will have a very realistic chance of winning the award." 

J.J. McCarthy out for the season with torn meniscus in right knee

Before getting injured, McCarthy had an impressive performance against the Raiders in his preseason debut. His odds to win OROY got as short as +1400 at some sportsbooks. 

Also, before the injury, he was at +500 to lead all rookies in passing yards — tied for the third-best on the board.

But now his odds in those markets are off the board.

The Vikings' Super Bowl futures did not move and are still at +8000.

Minnesota's odds to make the postseason did shift, but only slightly to +265 from +280.

Lastly, the team's win total was not affected by the news and still sits at 7.5 wins. 

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