What the Odds are for Christian McCaffrey to Win Offensive Player of the Year

As it stands today, DraftKings sportsbook has the odds set at +1300 for McCaffrey to win the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Winning season awards isn't typical for the San Francisco 49ers.

Before Nick Bosa won the Defensive Player of the Year award this past season, the last player or coach to win any award was Jim Harbaugh back in 2011. Although Kyle Shanahan really should have won it in 2019 given the 49ers were a massive surprise team. You could argue Deebo Samuel should have won one too in 2021. It just shows that season awards don't go in the favor of the 49ers.

But 2023 is bound to be different. Bosa is sure to be in the running for the award again, Shanahan could be in the mix for the Coach of the Year as well, and on offense the 49ers finally have someone recognizable to stake a claim. Christian McCaffrey is that player who can contend and win the Offensive Player of the Year award. He had a case last year as well, but I suspect his midseason arrival didn't push him to the finish the line. Plus, Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson was a monster, so no qualms there with him winning it. 

As it stands today, DraftKings sportsbook has the odds set at +1300 for McCaffrey to win the Offensive Player of the Year award. That line places him as a top favorite with the third best odds to win it. McCaffrey falls behind Jefferson and Bengals receiver JaMarr Chase who are tied as the lead favorites at +1000. So, McCaffrey is just about right there with him as he's off by only 300. Not bad at all for a running back.

Betting on McCaffrey to be the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year wouldn't be a bad bet at all. The 49ers offense may be stacked, but they will need McCaffrey at his best in order to far. As soon as he joined the 49ers in the middle of last season, the offense took a massive leap forward. What gives him an edge is that he is smooth and electric runner but can also play as a high-level receiver both in the backfield and lined up in the slot. McCaffrey is a true offensive weapon that defenses can only cross their fingers to limit. He'll be a pivotal factor in why the 49ers are winning games.

Jefferson on the other hand is playing on a team that is looking at a rebuilding year. He'll be elite once again this season, but not win the award. Chase could win it since he is part of a Super Bowl contending team, so he is one to be wary about. Still, I like the chances with McCaffrey so long as he stays healthy.