NFL futures: The best bets to challenge Christian McCaffrey for OPOY

There was no stopping Christian McCaffrey in 2023 as he ran away with the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award . Now he's gearing up for a repeat campaign — but not without some competition at sportsbooks to garner those honors in 2024.

The San Francisco 49ers running back handily led the league with 1,459 rushing yards and was a pivotal piece of his team's trip to the Super Bowl. As such, he is listed at +850 odds at DraftKings to continue at that top-tier level as the Bay Area squad plans for another dominant season.

McCaffrey isn't alone in the hunt, as a four-pack of wide receivers surround him on DK's odds list for 2024's OPOY. Is one of them more worthy of your wager than CMC is?

Here's a look at the competition.

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings: +1300

The 2022 OPOY was ready to defend his title last season before mounting injuries completely derailed his campaign. After he ethered fantasy managers at the end of 2023, he has focused solely on returning to full health for the new season.

The current quarterback situation in Minnesota makes Jefferson's return a bit more interesting, although he has shown in the past that he can work with different QBs. His ability to stay healthy is also a factor after dealing with different ailments last season. However, Jefferson isn't a horrible bet to compete for OPOY in 2024 at 13-1 odds.

Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: +1200

Chase had a career-high 100 receptions last season despite not having Joe Burrow to connect with all season. However, he posted a career-low seven touchdowns and averaged just 12.2 yards per reception. Having Burrow healthy for a full season would certainly help Chase's case for OPOY -- well, if he stays in Cincy, that is.

The fourth-year wideout is one of the many holdouts this preseason as he tries to get a contract extension done with the Bengals. His absence from practice has become a concern, and rumors are rampant about potential trades . So while a Chase-Burrow reunion makes those 12-1 odds to win OPOY look tempting, his contract status leaves less to be desired.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys: +1000

Let's go ahead and say it: It's odd that Lamb's odds are this short given his current contract ordeal, and his position is even more insane than the one Chase is in.

Even with teammate Micah Parsons pretty much guaranteeing Lamb will start Week 1, his return to the team is still very hard to predict since his contract dispute with the Cowboys doesn't appear close to a resolution.

Lamb was second in the NFL last season with 1,749 receiving yards, but he also played in all 17 games as he set career highs across the board. He wouldn't necessarily need preseason snaps to get up to game speed -- he didn't play any preseason games in 2022 or 2023 -- but his current situation suggests he could miss regular-season play.

He may still be one of the most gifted receivers in the league, but his current status with the Cowboys makes him an unappealing bet.

Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins: +700

Hill is the only player with shorter odds at DK than McCaffrey, and it's easy to see why. He led all receivers with 1,799 receiving yards and 112.4 average yards per game, which is not too shabby for a receiver who turned 30 this offseason.

The only concern with Hill heading into the 2024 season is that he is dealing with a preseason thumb injury . However, it doesn't sounds like Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is too worried about the ailment and is focused on getting Hill healthy for Week 1.

If Hill can weather this storm, he may be in for another big season -- and could challenge McCaffrey for those 2024 OPOY honors.