The NFL season is almost here and that brings this question, who is winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award? The NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award is one of the most coveted awards the NFL Honors gives out. Many players have their names in the hat and in a league where the offense leads the way, these defensive players can ruin a top offense’s day. Let’s dive into my top five favorites for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, but let’s start with some honorable mentions!
Top 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidates
Maxx Crosby (+1000)
Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders, comes in fifth for me. He has been an outstanding player for the Raiders, racking up back-to-back double-digit sack seasons and making three straight Pro Bowls. He came in fourth last season in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting and looks to be back in the conversation. His only concern is that Vegas isn’t going to be very good so he could be a diamond in the rough.
Aidan Hutchinson (+1400)
Aiden Hutchinson, defensive end for the Detroit Lions, is fourth on the list. Hutchinson is entering his third season in the NFL. Last season, he racked up 11.5 sacks for a Lions defense that was subpar at best. However, if he takes another leap, he will be in the discussion no doubt about it. His only concern is that he is the only pass rusher of concern when facing the Lions, which will lead to more double teams as he improves.
Myles Garrett (+600)
Myles Garrett is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and won the award for the first time in his career. He has been an animal for the Cleveland Browns’ defense, which was one of the best in the NFL last season. Since entering the NFL in 2016, Garrett is third in the NFL with 88.5 sacks, including 14 last season. If he continues to be as dominant as he has been since he entered the league, his name will be among the top of the Defensive Player of the Year contenders.
TJ Watt (+750)
TJ Watt has been one of, if not, the best defensive player in the NFL over the past four seasons. Leading the NFL in sacks since he entered the league and in three of the last four years, Watt has been a staple of a Steelers defense that has been up and down over that timeframe. Three years ago, he tied the record for the most sacks in a singular season, then suffered a pectoral muscle injury the following year. Last season, he bounced back and led the league in sacks again. If he is healthy, he will be a top-three candidate.
First: Micah Parsons (+500 Odds)
Micah Parsons is the betting favorite and my favorite to win this year’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. I am putting him at the top of the list because not only is he primed for a breakout season. Although he is already a fantastic player, with Parsons looking to get paid like a top player, he needs a great year to back it up. We know as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, he will be atop of the list and this would be his first time winning the DPOY if he were to win the award.
Final Thoughts
Any of the top three players I mentioned could win the award and I would not be surprised. However, with Parsons looking to win his first DPOY award and wanting to get a massive extension, he is primed for a big-time season. Dallas is going to need their superstars to show up and their defense starts and finishes with Micah Parsons.
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