Although Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt spearheaded NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds for much of the year, there is a new clear frontrunner following Week 18.
With the regular season in the books, is this NFL odds race over? Let's take a look at where things stand with Wild Card weekend on the horizon, as Patrick Surtain II headlines a Broncos defense that will look to spring a massive road upset in Buffalo.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds
Below are updated NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds.
| Player | Team | Position |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Surtain II |  Denver Broncos |
CB | -550 |
| T.J. Watt |  Pittsburgh Steelers |
LB | +140 |
| Trey Hendrickson |  Cincinnati Bengals |
DE | +850 |
| Andrew Van Ginkel |  Minnesota Vikings |
LB | +3500 |
| Myles Garrett |  Cleveland Browns |
DE | +5000 |
| Kerby Joseph |  Detroit Lions |
S | +5000 |
Odds as of 1-7-2025.
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Favorites to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award
Patrick Surtain II (-550)
The Denver Broncos defense has taken the AFC by storm, with star corner Patrick Surtain II headlining the budding unit.
The two-time Pro Bowler has set the tone for Vance Joseph's unit. Surtain has taken another step in production this season, boasting four interceptions and 34 solo tackles.
T.J. Watt (-115)
Finishing as last season's league leader in sacks with 19, T.J. Watt has picked up where he left off. The star pass rusher generated 11.5 sacks and 40 solo tackles this season, spearheading a Pittsburgh Steelers defense allowing just 20.4 points per game.
Watt walked away with the DPOY award in 2021, and if it weren't for injuries the following year, he would have been a serious contender to repeat in 2022.
Popular NFL futures markets
NFL Defensive Player of the Year betting splits
- Following Week 18, T.J. Watt is commanding 23.0% of the handle and 17.5% of tickets at BetMGM.
- Although Watt and Micah Parsons topped the board before Week 1 at +550 via BetMGM, Maxx Crosby took in the most wagers with 17.8% of tickets and 2.4% of the handle.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year betting trends
• Since this award was first given out in 1974, seven defensive players have claimed this award more than once. However, no defensive back has ever won it multiple times.
• The NFL DPOY odds board is filled with pass rushers for 2024, which is little surprise given that nine of the last 10 winners of the award totaled at least 11 sacks.
• While voters for the NFL MVP Award seem to take team success into the equation, the same hasn't necessarily been true for DPOY accolades. Four of the last nine winners of the DPOY award were on defenses that ranked outside the Top 10.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year history
A quick look at the NFL DPOY winners since 2000 and the position they played.
| Year | NFL DPOY Award Winner | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Myles Garrett | DE |
| 2022 | Nick Bosa | DE |
| 2021 | T.J. Watt | Edge |
| 2020 | Aaron Donald | DT |
| 2019 | Stephon Gilmore | CB |
| 2018 | Aaron Donald | DT |
| 2017 | Aaron Donald | DT |
| 2016 | Khalil Mack | Edge |
| 2015 | J.J. Watt | DE |
| 2014 | J.J. Watt | DE |
| 2013 | Luke Kuechly | LB |
| 2012 | J.J. Watt | DE |
| 2011 | Terrell Suggs | Edge |
| 2010 | Troy Polamalu | S |
| 2009 | Charles Woodson | DB |
| 2008 | James Harrison | Edge |
| 2007 | Bob Sanders | S |
| 2006 | Jason Taylor | Edge |
| 2005 | Brian Urlacher | LB |
| 2004 | Ed Reed | S |
| 2003 | Ray Lewis | LB |
| 2002 | Derrick Brooks | LB |
| 2001 | Michael Strahan | DE |
| 2000 | Ray Lewis | LB |
NFL Defensive Player of the Year winners by position
| Position | Number of DPOY awards |
|---|---|
| Linebacker | 17 |
| Defensive end | 14 |
| Defensive tackle | 10 |
| Cornerback | 6 |
| Safety | 5 |
Although linebackers have dominated this honor historically, defensive tackles have come on strongly lately, winning three of the last seven NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards thanks to the dominance of Aaron Donald.
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NFL DPOY Odds FAQs
Patrick Surtain II is currently atop the DPOY odds board at -550.
The Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett won the 2023 DPOY award.
