The NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award is typically an accolade that annually can be won by any one of numerous great players on the defensive side of the ball. A crucial injury in Week 6, however, might have changed things considerably.
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Down the Hutch
Unfortunately, an ill-fated season-ending injury has hit Detroit Lions standout Aidan Hutchinson, who at one point was the favorite for this year’s award. Instead, he’ll be on the sidelines with a broken tibia for the remainder of the campaign after going down in his team’s big Week 6 road victory against the Dallas Cowboys.
With Hutchinson hurt for the foreseeable future, that has paved the way for Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt to gain a decisive lead on the field.
Plenty of Watts
A former winner of this award and the leader of one of the league’s best defenses, Watt is currently a +150 favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook to secure his second such hardware. With Watt leading the way, the Steelers are yielding the second-fewest points per game (14.3).
Watt is a four-time First Team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. He also perennially stays healthy, having missed more than one game in a year only once in his seven previous seasons. It takes a lot to disrupt his powerful motor.
The Field
Two main contenders reside behind Watt in the race for DPOY: Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs and Will Anderson of the Houston Texans.
Both behemoth defensive lineman come with +800 odds on Caesars Sportsbook.
Maxx Crosby carries +2500 odds, which seems like arguably the best value to be had at first glance. Remember, though, with the Las Vegas Raiders already on the brink of fading, Crosby could be dealt at some point before the trade line. That could certainly interrupt his momentum.
Two members of the vaunted San Francisco 49ers defense clock in around the top on FanDuel, Fred Warner (+1400) and Nick Bosa (+1800). Each player’s importance might not be as glaring, however, playing alongside one another.
Titan lineman
Those seeking a real sleeper or high-paying lotto ticket might want to consider big Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans and his +40000 odds on Fanatics Sportsbook.
Simmons missed a game recently but returned for the club’s Week 6 date opposite the Indianapolis Colts. His major presence on the line and is a large reason why the Titans are allowing fewer total yards each week (248.8) than any other NFL team.
Don’t get cute
Being such a comfortable favorite, Watt is clearly the guy to beat regarding this award and probably won’t be topped at any point.
Of note, he’s also played 91 percent of the snaps, a career-high mark for the 30-year-old. With that kind of availability and effectiveness, this is Watt’s to lose.