Will Aaron Rodgers play another snap in 2023-24 NFL regular season? DraftKings has odds

When Aaron Rodgers went down with an achilles injury in Week 1, the headlines did not say he'll be back in a few months or late in the year. Most assumed the veteran QB was done for the season, as most players who go down with such an injury typically are.

But Rodgers has said since the injury that he intends to play again this season. With his possible return coming soon, DraftKings has posted odds on whether Aaron Rodgers will play another snap in the regular season.

Odds give Aaron Rodgers a 33.3% shot at playing again this season

Here is how DraftKings is listing this market: The sportsbook is only taking wagers on the YES side of the question. There are no odds listed for NO. 

• Will Aaron Rodgers Play Another Snap in the 2023-24 NFL Regular Season?
  • Yes +200

Rodgers has maintained that the play was always for a post-Thanksgiving return. During his latest appearance on the The Pat McAfee show, Rodgers said, "I'm going to be back with the Jets full time real soon…"  

During the Jets-Raiders Sunday night game, Melissa Stark reported that Rodgers is targeting a mid-December return and that his doctor has said it's possible. But Rodgers has since stated that he has never said anything definitive about when he'll return.

An achilles injury typically takes nine to 12 months to come back from. But Rodgers was off crutches quicker than expected and has been on the sideline throwing a ball around before games.

Doctors have said it's possible, and Rodgers says he wants to return. But one question remains.

Will Aaron Rodgers play another snap this season?

Rodgers talked about why he has been pushing so hard to come back this season during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee show (via New York Post):

"… I got hurt the first drive of the season, I don't want to retire, I want to come back. … My mindset from the morning after the injury was I'm going to try and do something nobody has done before.

"My time is nearing the end. I don't have as many years left as a [Warriors star] Klay Thompson or some of these amazing athletes who have been hurt earlier in their career. I want to get back on the field."

There is no question that the desire and intent are present, but something else is needed for them to matter — the doctors. He must get medically cleared to play, no matter how badly he wants to return.

If Rodgers does get cleared, there is still a chance he won't play. Should the Jets have no realistic shot at making the playoffs, returning so quickly would be an unnecessary risk. The smart move would be to take his time recovering and return next season. 

Odds do not favor New York Jets making the playoffs

After losing to Buffalo in Week 11, the odds of the Jets making the playoffs were long at .

The Jets will need to win at least two of their next three to have a shot once/if Rodgers returns in mid-December (Week 15). 

They'll be underdogs against Miami on Black Friday. They could be slight favorites against the Falcons after that, but the Week 14 game against the Texans is looking more and more difficult as Houston continues to play well under rookie QB C.J. Stroud. 

If they can go 2-1, they'll be 6-7 and will likely need to win their last four (@Miami, vs. Washington, @Cleveland, and @New England) to qualify for a wild card.

Bet(s) to consider

Pass on this one.

At +200 odds, the potential payout is not worth the risk. Rodgers can talk a great game, and the doctors can make it sound like a return is possible. But even if he does get medically cleared, don't count on him to play.

If the Jets go 0-4 or 1-3 over the next month leading up to his possible return in mid-December, the incentive to come back will be gone. Rodgers will need the Jets to have more than a slim chance of making the playoffs to come back this season.