NFL Defensive Player Of The Year Preview
Garrett Favorite to Unseat Rams DT Donald
The early 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award odds have officially been set. Every year, there is always one player on the defensive side that sets themselves apart from the rest as a true difference-maker for their team. There are a ton of stars who could position themselves for this award in 2021 and we’re taking a look at the options in the online sportsbook to see who is the best bet.
Aaron Donald
Odds: Aaron Donald +450
Aaron Donald should be the leading candidate for the award yet again, even though the NFL odds put him in second place. The only thing that may be standing in his way would be voter fatigue, as he has claimed this title in three of the last four seasons. He picked up 12 sacks last season while going against double- and triple-teams on a weekly basis. Donald is one of the most dominant defensive players in the history of the NFL and it isn’t going to be easy to slow him down. He always finds a way to become disruptive.
Chase Young
Odds: +900
The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year could end up catching the league by surprise next season. While he is definitely going to be on a lot of sports betting handicapper’s radars, his combination of speed and agility help him overpower opposing offensive linemen. He has proven to be disruptive in both the pass and the run game, recording 7.5 sacks, 44 tackles, a touchdown and four passes defensed as a rookie. Young is also just one member of a loaded Washington Football Team defensive line, so triple-teaming him isn’t much of an option for opposing teams. He should have plenty of opportunities to pile up the numbers.
TJ Watt
Odds: +900
There are a lot of people who believe that TJ Watt was completely robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year award last season and for good reason. Had Donald not been able to garner such an incredible reputation in the league, he likely wouldn’t have won the award. Watt led the NFL in both sacks with 15 and tackles for loss with 23. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their defense faded down the stretch. At any rate, Watt should have his eyes set on a revenge season after not being selected for this honor last season, which could push him to take his game to another level.
Myles Garrett
Odds: +300
Myles Garrett is coming off a pretty rough 2020 campaign but he’s currently the favorite for this season. He tested positive for COVID-19 in November and later told reporters that he only felt about 50 percent throughout the rest of the season. However, he still posted 12 sacks and was a huge impact on Cleveland Brown’s defensive line. Assuming he is able to get back onto the field fully healthy, he should be one of the league’s most dangerous edge rushers. He’ll also get plenty of help with Jadeveon Clowney opposite him, so defenses can’t focus too much on him.
