2024-25 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds and Predictions

As we prepare for the upcoming 2024 NFL season, the race for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award promises to be as competitive and unpredictable as ever.

As you may have guessed, the Defensive Player of the Year award recognizes the league’s most outstanding defensive player. The odds for this coveted award are already posted at the best NFL betting sites ahead of the ’24 campaign.

Below, I’ll break down the DPOY betting odds and pick the best bet to take home the trophy.

2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Defensive Player of the Year Odds	Defensive Player of the Year Odds
T.J. Watt (+550)	Micah Parsons (+550)
Nick Bosa (+700)	Maxx Crosby (+700)
Myles Garrett (+800)	Aidan Hutchinson (+1000)
Will Anderson Jr. (+2000)	Danielle Hunter (+2500)
Josh Allen (+2500)	Chris Jones (+3000)
Montez Sweat (+3000)	Kyle Hamilton (+3500)
Fred Warner (+4000)	Rashan Gary (+5000)
Haason Reddick (+5000)	Trey Hendrickson (+5000)
Joey Bosa (+5000)	Jalen Carter (+5500)
Jaylon Johnson (+6000)	Sauce Gardner (+6000)
Jalen Ramsey (+6000)	Khalil Mack (+6000)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (+6000)	Justin Madubuike (+6000)

T.J. Watt (+550)

T.J. Watt – the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mainstay – is tied with Micah Parsons for the best odds to win the 2024 DPOY award. Watt is no stranger to this accolade, having previously won it in 2021.

His relentless pass-rushing ability – coupled with his knack for making game-changing plays – makes him a perennial favorite. In 2023, Watt continued to dominate, posting 19 sacks despite facing constant double teams. There isn’t another player in the league with a motor as indefatigable as Watt’s, and he’s only now entering his prime at 29 years of age.

Watt’s brother – J.J. – won this award 3 times in his own storied career. While T.J. has just one trophy to his name thus far, it’s hard to overlook his chances of contending on a yearly basis. Watt finished a close 2nd to Myles Garrett for the award last season. Garrett pulled 23 first-place votes to Watt’s 19.

Micah Parsons (+550)

Sharing the top odds with Watt is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons has quickly established himself as one of the most versatile and dynamic defenders in the league. His ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends, and stop the run makes him a unique threat. Parsons is capable of lining up at just about every defensive position, which can’t be said of the vast majority of defenders in today’s NFL.

In 2023, Parsons amassed impressive statistics, including a career-high 14 sacks and 64 total tackles. His relentless energy and athleticism keep him in the conversation for DPOY, and many analysts believe he has the potential to redefine the linebacker position if he continues his upward trajectory.

Parsons has racked up at least 13 sacks in each of his first 3 years in the league, and he’s still just 25 years old. Dallas has had one of the most prolific defenses in football in recent years, though Parsons will be playing underneath a new defensive coordinator for the first time. Longtime Dallas DC Dan Quinn is now the head coach in Washington, while ex-Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has replaced Quinn in the Cowboys’ coordinator role.

Nick Bosa (+700)

Nick Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive end, comes in with solid +700 odds

Bosa’s 2023 season was marked by his incredible consistency and impact, racking up 10.5 sacks and countless pressures. His combination of strength, technique, and football IQ sets him apart as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

The Niners advanced to the Super Bowl once again, and Bosa’s contributions on the defensive side of the ball were often overshadowed by the team’s endless array of offensive Pro Bowl talent. Bosa now has at least 9 sacks in each of his first 4 full seasons in the league. However, last year’s 10.5-sack total was his lowest since he recorded 9 as a rookie back in 2019.

San Francisco has no shortage of talent on defense around Bosa, so he’s hardly a one-man show. Could that hurt his chances of winning Defensive Player of the Year? It’s certainly possible. He also won this award in 2022 after totaling a career-best 18.5 sacks, so there’s a chance voter fatigue could hurt his chances to claim it again in 2024.

Maxx Crosby (+700)

The Raiders’ Maxx Crosby is another name to watch. Crosby had a breakout season in 2023, recording a career-high 14.5 sacks and emerging as a leader on the Raiders’ defense. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback and high motor have earned him praise from coaches and fellow players alike. Crosby checked in at No. 17 on the NFL’s list of the top 100 players entering the ’23 season, and he figures to be even higher when the full 2024 list is revealed in the coming days.

Team success doesn’t typically correlate with winning Defensive Player of the Year, so the Raiders’ record likely won’t hurt Crosby’s case. He’s been one of the league’s most consistent pass-rushing presences over the past several seasons, though I think his odds are a bit too short for my liking at +700.

Myles Garrett (+800)

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is consistently among the top contenders for the DPOY award. Garrett’s rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles.

In 2023, he posted 14 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as the crux of the Browns’ stingy defense.

Interestingly enough, Garrett recorded 16 sacks in both 2021 and 2022, so he managed to win DPOY despite falling short of that total a season ago. The former No. 1 overall pick has just the 5th-best odds to go back-to-back. That’s a bit surprising, especially considering winning consecutive Defensive Player of the Year trophies is hardly unprecedented in recent years. J.J. Watt won in both 2014 and 2015, while Aaron Donald did the same in 2017 and 2018.

I much prefer Garrett at +800 to Crosby at +700 if you’re hunting for some value.

Aidan Hutchinson (+1000)

The Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson is one of the younger players with solid odds for the DPOY award. After an impressive rookie season, Hutchinson continued his upward trajectory in 2023, recording 11.5 sacks and demonstrating his potential to be a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense.

Hutchinson isn’t quite as well-known as some of the other contenders as he prepares to enter his 3rd pro campaign. However, the former No. 2 overall pick has 21 career sacks through 34 games for Detroit, while he’s also impressively picked off 4 passes. He ranked among the league leaders in pressures a season ago and finished as one of the best-rated edge rushers in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.

Many expect the Lions to contend for a Super Bowl after falling in last year’s NFC Championship Game to San Francisco. If Detroit does live up to expectations and ends the year among the top seeds in the playoffs, it’s fair to assume some of the players will win some hardware at season’s end.

Will Anderson Jr. (+2000)

Houston Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr. has generated significant buzz heading into the 2024 season. Anderson was a standout at Alabama, known for his explosive first step and ability to wreak havoc in the backfield.

Anderson’s exploits were a bit overshadowed by fellow Houston rookie CJ Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Texans to the playoffs. Anderson – last year’s No. 3 pick – is coming off of a solid year, though. The 22-year-old totaled 45 tackles with 7 sacks across 15 games for a much-improved defense.

Like the Lions, the Texans appear to be a team on the rise. Anderson isn’t exactly flying under the radar at these +2000 odds, but you are still getting solid bang for your buck if you take a flier on the youngster.

Danielle Hunter (+2500)

The Texans made a flurry of offseason moves to try and surround CJ Stroud with as much talent as possible, but they also addressed some holes on defense. Houston acquired former Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter from Minnesota in a sneaky pre-draft trade.

Hunter will bring a much-needed veteran presence to an otherwise very young Houston defense. He’s qualified for 4 Pro Bowls in his career to this point, while he was a Second Team All-Pro back in 2018.

Even at 29, Hunter hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. The LSU product racked up a career-high 16.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles a season ago for an underwhelming Minnesota defense. However, Hunter didn’t even finish in the top 10 in DPOY voting.

Chris Jones (+3000)

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is one of the most dominant interior linemen in the NFL. Jones’ ability to generate pressure from the inside – along with his knack for batting down passes – gives him a well-rounded game.

In 2023, he posted 10.5 sacks and continued to anchor the Chiefs’ defensive line. Jones’ impact on the game, despite playing a less glamorous position, should not be overlooked. The Chiefs likely wouldn’t have won either of the last two Super Bowls without his presence on the interior of the D-line.

There’s a reason Kansas City signed him to a big-money extension this offseason. He’s made an immeasurable impact on the team’s dynastic run, though DPOY typically goes to players who post flashier stats.

Montez Sweat (+3000)

Montez Sweat has spent most of his pro career toiling away with the aimless Commanders, but he was traded to Chicago before last year’s deadline. The former Mississippi State standout posted double-digit sacks (12.5) for the first time in his career last season, which was no small feat considering he thrived for 2 different teams.

Following an impressive draft and a very active offseason, the Bears are expected to be one of the NFL’s most improved teams in 2024. Sweat is another player who could fly under the radar, though I think his odds should be longer than +3000 to win Defensive Player of the Year.

Kyle Hamilton (+3500)

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is a long shot but an interesting candidate. Hamilton’s versatility and playmaking ability in the secondary make him a key for the Ravens’ defense.

While safeties rarely win the DPOY award, Hamilton’s impact on the game – including interceptions and pass breakups – could propel him into the conversation. Baltimore finished with the league’s best record last season, and Hamilton got lost in the shuffle as a part of a defense that boasted 2 players who finished in the top 10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Rquan Smith (8th) and Justin Madubuike (10th) both garnered serious consideration.

Hamilton is only entering his third year in the league, and he’s going to have to rack up quite a few picks in order to make a serious DPOY push. Just 3 safeties – Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, and Troy Polamalu – have won Defensive Player of the Year since 1985.

Who Will Win Defensive Player of the Year?

The 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year race is stacked with talent and potential. From seasoned veterans like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett to rising stars like Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson, the field is wide open.

Parsons has taken the league by storm since his arrival back in 2021. He finished 2nd in Defensive Player of the Year voting in each of his first 2 NFL seasons before taking 3rd place a season ago. Assuming he can continue to stay healthy, it’s likely just a matter of time until his time comes. It’s unfathomable to think a player as impactful as Parsons will play his entire career without winning one, so I’m willing to put my money on 2024 being the year he finally reaches the top of the leaderboard.

I’m not really going out on a limb here, but Parsons is my favorite bet of the bunch at his +550 odds.