NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds 2025-26: Hutchinson Among Favorites After Brutal Injury

The NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds are about as competitive as they come, with Myles Garrett, Aidan Hutchinson, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons jockeying for position.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds 2025-26
Pictured: Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson reacts against the Dallas Cowboys. Photo by Kevin Jairaj via Imagn Images.

Following a catastrophic injury last season, Detroit Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is back among the favorites by the 2025-26 NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds, with Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons all atop the oddsboard with him.

  • Despite playing in only five games last year, Hutchinson is among the favorites again, trailing only last year's third-place finisher, Myles Garrett
  • Last year's winner, Patrick Surtain II, is all the way down at +5000, as our best sports betting sites find it highly unlikely he repeats
  • Will Anderson Jr. followed his Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign up with a 14th-place finish in this market last year, but he's trading as the fifth-biggest favorite for this season

🔢 NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds 2025-26

Live NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds via our best NFL betting sites.

🤖 AI prediction for NFL Defensive Player of the Year

For entertainment purposes, we asked ChatGPT to analyze NFL Defensive Player of the Year trends and the current landscape to project this year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year. ChatGPT is not recommended for betting advice but can provide additional information and insights into the betting market.

🔍 Analysis of top contenders

Myles Garrett (+850)

Garrett remains a perennial DPOY candidate, coming off a season with 14 sacks and 22 tackles for a loss. The Browns' addition of DT Mason Graham in the draft could free up Garrett for even more impactful plays. His consistent elite performance keeps him at the forefront of the race.

Aidan Hutchinson (+900)

Despite a leg injury that shortened his previous season, Hutchinson is poised for a strong comeback. He led the NFL in sacks before his injury and aims to elevate the Lions' defense further.

Micah Parsons (+1000)

Parsons, a dynamic pass rusher, recorded 12 sacks in just 13 games last season. His versatility and impact on the Cowboys' defense make him a consistent threat for the DPOY award.

💡 Value bet to consider

Will Anderson Jr. (+1300)

Anderson tallied 11 sacks in 14 games last season and boasts a career pressure rate of 15.3%. With added experience and a strong supporting cast, he could make a significant leap this season.

🏁 Final recommendation

While Myles Garrett and Aidan Hutchinson are strong favorites, Will Anderson Jr. at +1300 offers compelling value given his upward trajectory and potential for a breakout season. Keep an eye on Jalen Carter as a high-upside pick as well.

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🗠 NFL Defensive Player of the Year opening odds

Opening NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds via DraftKings as of February 7.

  • T.J. Watt +750
  • Myles Garrett +750
  • Aidan Hutchinson +750
  • Micah Parsons +850
  • Maxx Crosby +900
  • Will Anderson Jr. +1200
  • Nick Bosa +1600
  • Jalen Carter +2000
  • Jared Verse +2500
  • Pat Surtain II +2800
  • Trey Hendrickson +3000
  • Fred Warner +4000
  • Chris Jones +4000
  • Quinyon Mitchell +5000
  • Leonard Williams +5000
  • Kyle Hamilton +5000
  • Josh Hines-Allen +5000
  • George Karlaftis +5000
  • Dexter Lawrence II +5000
  • Brian Branch +6000
  • Nik Bonitto +6000
  • Trent McDuffie +7500
  • Khalil Mack +7500
  • Kerby Joseph +7500
  • Derek Stingley Jr. +7500
  • Danielle Hunter +7500
  • Cooper DeJean +7500
  • Christian Gonzalez +7500
  • Budda Baker +7500
  • Brian Burns +7500
  • Zack Baun +7500
  • Will McDonald IV +7500

📜 NFL Defensive Player of the Year betting history

Year Player Preseason odds
2024 Pat Surtain II (CB) +12500
2023 Myles Garrett (DE) +600
2022 Nick Bosa (DE) +1400
2021 T.J. Watt (LB) +800
2020 Aaron Donald (DT) +600
2019 Stephon Gilmore (CB) +8000
2018 Aaron Donald (DT) +590
2017 Aaron Donald (DT) +1400
2016 Khalil Mack (LB) +650
2015 J.J. Watt (DE) +150

❓ NFL Defensive Player of the Year FAQs

Who is the favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year?

Myles Garrett is a small favorite by the latest NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds.

Who was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year last year?

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year this past season after entering the campaign with odds of +12500.

Who's won the most Defensive Player of the Year Awards?

Lawrence Taylor, J.J. Watt, and Aaron Donald share the NFL lead with three career DPOY wins. Five players won it twice.

When was the last back-to-back NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner? 

Aaron Donald won the award in 2017 and 2018, and J.J. Watt won it in 2014 and 2015. Lawrence Taylor took the honors in 1981 and 1982. Those three are the only back-to-back recipients.  

🏟️ NFL betting odds pages

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