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2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Betting Breakdown

Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett are tied for the best odds at SI Sportsbook for Defensive Player of the Year.

The NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) futures market finds two co-favorites among the four players listed at single-digit odds. The top betting choices, distanced well-ahead of the rest of the field, are Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald and Browns all-pro defensive end Myles Garrett at +650 odds.

Donald, a three-time DPOY winner, anchored the Rams’ run to the franchise’s second Super Bowl victory last season. The best interior lineman in NFL history has posted 98 sacks in 127 games, but his short odds combined with free-agent departures on the club’s defensive line make an investment an arduous endeavor.

NFL Awards Betting: Coach | Comeback Player | Defensive Rookie | Offensive Rookie | Offensive Player | MVP

Garrett, who has recorded 10-plus sacks in four of his first five seasons, checks in as the co-favorite alongside Donald. Garrett is attempting to winning the award for the first time and will lead a Browns defense that will face pressure to perform.

Bet on the NFL at SI Sportsbook

Aug 29, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) during training camp at Cal Lutheran University.

2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Aaron Donald (DT, LAR) +650
Myles Garrett (DE, CLE) +650
TJ Watt (LB, PIT) +700
Micah Parsons (LB, DAL) +800
Nick Bosa (DE, SF) +1200
Joey Bosa (DE, LAC) +2000
Chase Young (DE, WSH) +2500
Khalil Mack (DE, LAC) +2800
Maxx Crosby (DE, LVR) +2800
Rashan Gary (LB, GB) +2800
Danielle Hunter (DL. MIN) +3300
Darius Leonard (LB, IND) +3300
Derwin James (S, LAC) +3300
Von Miller (DE, BUF) +3300
Jalen Ramsey (CB, LAR) +4000
Bradley Chubb (DE, DEN) +4000
Bobby Wagner (LB, LAR) +6000
Shaquil Barrett (LB, TB) +6000

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt (+700), rounds out the top three after leading the league in sacks (22.5) last season. However, due to a potential inconsistent Steelers offense, Watt could be forced to defend short fields on a weekly basis. Without the ability to dictate unfavorable down and distances, Watt will likely struggle to duplicate 20-plus sack production in consecutive seasons.

The last safety to win the award was Pittsburgh free safety Troy Polamalu in 2010. Chargers safety Derwin James (+3300) has sleeper value in the DPOY futures market if Los Angeles’s defense can match the elite production of its high-powered offense. In order for James to earn consideration, he will need to increase his overall interception production or be utilized more as a blitzing pass rusher.

Aug 26, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium.

It is difficult to recommend a betting consideration from the defensive back position, but if you feel so inclined then Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is the top betting option in the field at moon shot odds of +4000.

Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons (+1000), who secured 13 sacks in his Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign, could be poised to approach the 20-sack mark in 2022. His talent at nearly double-digit odds is simply too inviting to pass up.

BEST BET: Micah Parsons (+800)


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Frankie Taddeo is a successful high-stakes fantasy football player who created the first-ever DFS program ever offered in a Las Vegas sportsbook. Frankie is SI Betting's Senior Analyst and provides his significant experience and resources in the sports betting scene. You can follow Frankie on Twitter @Frankie_Fantasy for his latest betting and fantasy insights from Las Vegas.

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