Betting markets price in Aaron Donald’s potential return and Tank Dell’s recovery
With Aaron Donald’s rumored return to the Los Angeles Rams and Tank Dell’s rehabilitation from a severe knee injury, sportsbooks are adjusting odds for the 2026 award cycle.
An NFL betting expert has identified Aaron Donald and Tank Dell as primary candidates for the Comeback Player of the Year award, citing significant value in current futures markets. The analysis, published by CBS Sports, suggests that while Donald’s status remains unconfirmed, his potential return offers a unique wagering opportunity, whereas Dell represents a traditional recovery narrative following a prolonged absence.
Donald, who has not officially returned from retirement, is rumoured to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams as early as this weekend. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the return is considered all but done, with the franchise focusing on securing funding for Donald’s 2026 salary. The Rams are reportedly all-in on the current season, aiming to secure a second Super Bowl with quarterback Matthew Stafford, and view Donald’s return as critical to their defensive structure.
Despite Donald’s absence from the field, DraftKings Sportsbook has listed him at 9-1 odds. The betting analysis argues that leaving the sport for several years and returning to play at a dominant level constitutes a valid comeback, even if it does not strictly adhere to the award’s emphasis on injury recovery. However, the article notes that voters may still favour players returning from physical hardship, a criterion clarified by the Associated Press following controversy over previous winners.
Tank Dell, a wide receiver for the Houston Texans, presents a more conventional case for the award. Dell missed the entire 2025 season due to a severe injury sustained in Week 16 of the 2024 season. Positive reports from Texans training camp indicate Dell has returned to full reps and is currently ranked as the WR5 on the depth chart, suggesting a successful rehabilitation process.
The analysis highlights that the Texans beefed up their receiving corps in anticipation of Dell’s potential absence, creating a competitive environment upon his return. While FanDuel Sportsbook offers odds on Dell, the expert warns that his candidacy depends heavily on his ability to regain form and contribute to the passing game led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. The betting value is expected to diminish if Dell begins to produce significantly during the preseason.
