Chiefs Players Make Early Push for NFL Awards

Chiefs Players Make Early Push for NFL Awards
Calli Varner Profile Picture

Kansas City's 31-10 win over Denver in Week 1 has shifted attention beyond another Super Bowl run. Patrick Mahomes, Kenneth Walker III and Mansoor Delane each made early impressions in their respective award races, with all three appearing in NFL award futures at DraftKings Sportsbook. For Missouri sports betting fans, the markets provide another storyline to follow as the season develops.

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Patrick Mahomes Remains the CPOY Favorite

Patrick Mahomes entered the season as the favorite for NFL Comeback Player of the Year after returning from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener against Denver.

Mahomes has been the CPOY favorite since before the season kicked off and remains at -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook Missouri. His return to the field has kept him at the top of the award market following the opening week.

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Kenneth Walker III Emerges in OPOY Race

Kenneth Walker III immediately became a major part of Kansas City's offensive identity in his Chiefs debut. He rushed for 173 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries against Denver, including a 60-yard touchdown run.

Walker is currently +1100 to win Offensive Player of the Year, giving him the third-shortest odds behind Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. His Week 1 performance gives him an early place in the OPOY conversation as the Kansas City Chiefs odds market develops throughout the season.

Mansoor Delane Gets Positive Injury Update

Mansoor Delane's award case received an important injury update this week. The rookie cornerback recorded an interception on the opening series against Denver before leaving with a shoulder injury after playing three defensive snaps. The injury was later reported as a hairline fracture.

Andy Reid said Delane returned to practice Wednesday and that there was a "pretty good chance" he would play Sunday against Indianapolis. Delane is +800 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, the fourth-shortest price on the board. Bettors can use MO betting apps to place a bet on those odds.

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Author

Calli Varner

Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

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