Healthy again, Eagles' DeSean Jackson could be wise bet as NFL Comeback Player of the Year

When casual NFL fans think of some of the league's best-ever big-play receivers, they may forget about the Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson. He holds the NFL record of 60-yard touchdown plays with 24 and is among the all-time leaders in yards per reception at 17.4. For a point of comparison, GOAT Jerry Rice's average is 14.8. However, Jackson's 2019 season was cut very short due to injury. At age 33, does Jackson still have one big season in him? He's +3300 on the moneyline odds at William Hill sportsbook to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

With 10,420 career receiving yards, Jackson is fifth among active players, behind only Larry Fitzgerald (17,083), Jason Witten (12,977), Julio Jones (12,125) and Antonio Brown (11,263). Jackson's 32 career TDs of at least 50 yards are tied with Randy Moss for the second-most in NFL history behind Rice's 36. Jackson has led the NFL in yards per reception four times in his career: 2018 (18.9), 2016 (17.9), 2014 (20.9) and 2010 (22.5).

Jackson got off to an incredible start to the 2019 regular season in catching eight passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns (both at least 50 yards) in a Week 1 comeback win over the Washington Redskins. Alas, Jackson strained his abdomen in the opening seconds of Week 2. He was out until Week 9, when he aggravated the injury. That required season-ending core surgery.

Philadelphia clearly missed Jackson as while the Eagles did win the NFC East, they didn't have a single receiver with 500 yards. That was a franchise first since 1966. In fact, they didn't have a receiver all season with consecutive games of at least 65 yards.

Jackson might be breaking down physically as he has missed 19 games over the past three seasons. Then again, in a recent post on Instagram, Jackson was clocked running 23 miles per hour in a workout – so his wheels are still fully intact. He says he's back to 100 percent. 

Jackson did make some unwanted news early this week when he posted an anti-Semitic message on social media. The Eagles responded by calling Jackson's posts "offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling" and would take "appropriate action."  Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman are Jewish. There was some talk the Eagles might release Jackson, who has apologized, but apparently not. It didn't affect his odds on this prop. 

The only Eagle to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year was quarterback Michael Vick in 2010. He was the first player in the award's history to win it after returning from jail.

Philly is a 6-point favorite on the NFL odds for Week 1 at Washington. 

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