Six weeks into the NFL season and we can already see the prime candidates for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Since 1971, the AP hands out the DPOTY award to the best defensive player in the league. Last season, Steelers’ edge rusher T.J. Watt won the award after tying the league’s record of 22.5 sacks. This year, the odds are higher, with three players who could potentially win it. Here are the 2022 DPOTY front runners.
Micah Parsons (+110)
There is one guy who has separated himself this season above all others. Dallas Cowboys Micah Parsons has shown week in and week out why he deserves the award. The 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year is off to a monster start, as he’s recorded 19 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, 12 Qb hits, a forced fumble, and 19 pressures. He is tied for first in the league with sacks and leads in pressures.
Parsons finished last season with 13 sacks in his rookie campaign for the Dallas Cowboys, earning him First Team All-Pro honors. With what we’ve seen in his first five games, Micah is the best bet for Defensive Player of the Year at +110 odds.
Nick Bosa (+650)
The San Francisco 49ers have dominated defensively this season, mainly due to Nick Bosa’s performance. The two time Pro Bowler has dominated this season, recording 15 total tackles, six tackles for loss, six sacks, 16 Qb hits and 17 pressures. Bosa is tied for first in the league in sacks and is second behind Parsons in pressures.
If Parsons slows down, Bosa has the next best odds to win Defensive Player of the Year at +650 odds.
Aaron Donald (+1,200)
The three time DPOTY continues to expand his resume as he helped his team win the Super Bowl. Even after getting his ring, Aaron Donald shows no signs of slowing down. The All-Pro defensive tackle is coming off a dominant two-sack performance against the Cowboys. So far this season, Donald has recorded 21 total tackles, six tackles for loss, four sack, six Qb hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and multiple pressures.
He’s currently tied for 10th in the league in sacks this season. If he can pick up his performance, he still has a realistic chance at Defensive Player of the Year at +1,200 odds.
NFL DPOTY Betting Trends
- The NFL DPOTY odds board was filled with pass rushers for 2021, to no surprise as given eight of the last 10 winners have totaled double digit sacks.
- Since 1974, seven defensive players have claimed this award more than once. However, no defensive back has ever won it multiple times.
Top 10 DPOTY Betting Odds
- Micah Parsons: +110
- Nick Bosa: +650
- Aaron Donald: +1,200
- Myles Garret: +1,600
- Rashan Gary: +2,000
- Maxx Crosby: +2,000
- Joey Bosa: +2,200
- Khalil Mack: +4,000
- Von Miller: +5,000
- Talanoa Hufunga: +7,500
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