The NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award has been dominated by pass rushers in recent history. Since 2010, seven of the last 10 winners have been pass rushers in some form, whether on the edge or at defensive tackle.
The New England Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore broke the mold last year by winning it as a cornerback, but it’s rare for a defensive back to take home this award.
In 2020, there’s a host of quality candidates, many of whom are unsurprisingly pass rushers. However, among the top eight favorites, there are two defensive backs.
We take a look at the best bets for Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.
Defensive Player of the Year odds
Below are the eight favorites. Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Monday, May 11 at 2:20 p.m. ET.
- Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams +750
- Khalil Mack, OLB, Chicago Bears +1000
- Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers +1300
- Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots +1500
- T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers +1500
- J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans +1700
- Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos +1800
- Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers +2000
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Best bet: Aaron Donald +750
Donald is the favorite, and for good reason. He’s won the award twice in his career and although his numbers dipped a bit last season, he was still deserving of consideration for the award because of the impact he has that doesn’t show up on the box score.
With DTs Michael Brockers back and A’Shawn Robinson also on the defensive line, Donald has a decent supporting cast – even though the loss of LB Dante Fowler Jr. will hurt from a pass-rush perspective. But Donald has had double-digit sacks in four of the last five years and should eclipse 10 in 2020.
Value play: T.J. Watt +1500
Watt had a strong case to win the award last season, but was beat out by Gilmore, who had a phenomenal season on arguably the best defense in the NFL. Watt had 14.5 sacks and tied for the NFL high with eight forced fumbles, hitting the QB 36 times in 16 games.
He’s durable and productive and his numbers have only improved each season he’s been in the NFL. Next season should be his best yet and he’ll certainly be in the running to win the award. At +1500, there’s a ton of upside, too.
Long shot pick: Chandler Jones +3000
The Cardinals’ Jones has never won Defensive Player of the Year, despite leading the NFL with 96 sacks since arriving in Arizona in 2016. He had a career-high 19 sacks and an NFL-leading eight forced fumbles last season, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting with only seven fewer votes than Gilmore.
The Cardinals should be much-improved in 2020, too, which will only help Jones’ exposure as an impact player.
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