NFL 2026/27 Defensive Player Of the Year Award Odds – Who are the Early Favorites to Take Home the DPOY Honors?

The NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in professional football. It recognizes the league’s top defensive performer based on statistical dominance, game-changing plays, and overall impact. Winning the DPOY cements a player’s legacy, boosts career earnings, attracts various endorsements, and improves Hall of Fam prospects, marking them as an elite NFL force.

Myles Garrett, who plays for the Cleveland Browns, took him the honors in the 2025-26 season after his truly dominant performance. His unmatched pass-rushing skills and leadership powered the Browns last season, even though his team did not make the playoffs.

With that said, let us take a look at the list of the early favorites for the DPOY award.

Top 5 Early NFL Defensive Player of the Year Candidates

The NFL season is still far off, but it is never too early to highlight defensive stars who have what it takes to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Here are five standout candidates who could emerge as front-runners for the prestigious honor, as per Draftkings.

Player	Odds
Myles Garrett	+425
Micah Parsons	+700
Maxx Crosby	+700
Aidan Hutchinson	+800
Will Anderson Jr.	+800

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Myles Garrett (+425)

Myles Garrett stands as the favorite for the 2026-27 Defensive Player of the Year award at +425 because of his unmatched production and consistency. In 2025, he led the NFL with 23 sacks (most in NFL single season history), while adding 43 solo tackles and three forced fumbles, proving he remains the league’s most disruptive edge rusher. His ability to collapse pockets and force quarterbacks into mistakes makes him the centerpiece of Cleveland’s defense and a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Garrett’s career resume further strengthens his case. With 125.5 career sacks, 293 solo tackles, and 23 forced fumbles, he has already established himself as one of the most dominant defenders of his era. A two-time DPOY, seven-time Pro Bowler, and five-time All-Pro, he has the accolades and voter respect that often sway award races. Entering his prime years, Garrett’s blend of elite stats, proven track record, and team impact explains why sportsbooks view him as the frontrunner for another DPOY honors.

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Micah Parsons (+700)

Parsons has already established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defenders, recording 41 combined tackles, and 12.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, before getting hit with a season ending injury. His explosiveness off the edge and versatility as both a pass rusher and coverage linebacker make him a unique weapon. Despite the ACL injury in December 2025, Parsons has vowed to “rise again,” and his recovery timeline aligns with a full return for the 2026 season.

Motivation will likely be a huge factor next season. This is Parsons’ first major injury, and he has openly called it his “greatest test.” That determination, combined with his track record of dominance, positions him as a strong candidate to reclaim his status as one of the league’s most feared defenders. If he returns to form, his ability to generate double-digit sacks and game-changing plays could make him the most compelling challenger to Myles Garret in the DPOY race.

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Maxx Crosby (+700)

Maxx Crosby sits as the third favorite for the 2026-27 Defensive Player of the Year award at +700 because of his relentless motor, elite production, and leadership on the Raiders‘ (if he stays) defense. In 2025, Crosby delivered another dominant campaign with 45 solo tackles, 10.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, proving he’s one of the most consistent edge rushers in the league. His ability to play nearly every defensive snap and still maintain high-level efficiency sets him apart from most pass rushers.

Crosby’s career trajectory makes him a legit DPOY contender. With over 65 career sacks and multiple Pro Bowl selections, he has steadily built a resume that commands respect from voters. Known for his durability and work ethic, Crosby rarely leaves the field, often leading the league in defensive snaps played. That combination of stamina and production makes him the heartbeat of Las Vegas’ defense.

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Aidan Hutchinson (+800)

Aidan Hutching enters the 2026-27 season as a strong DPOY contender at +800 because he’s coming off his best year yet, posting 14.5 sacks, 36 solo tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 interception in 2025. His production has climbed every healthy season, giving him 43 career sacks, 118 solo tackles, and 8 forced fumbles through four years.

Hutchinson’s blend of power, technique, and relentless pursuit makes him the engine of Detroit’s defense. Entering his prime at age 25, he’s now producing like a top-tier edge rusher, and sportsbooks view him as the next breakout candidate capable of challenging the top candidates for the award.

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Will Anderson Jr. (+800)

Will Anderson Jr. is a top DPOY contender at +800 because he’s rapidly becoming one of the NFL’s dominant young edge rushers. In 2025, he posted 12 sacks, 35 solo tackles, and 3 forced fumbles, marking his best season yet and showing clear year-to-year growth. Through three seasons, Anderson has totaled 30 sacks, 91 solo tackles, and 4 forced fumbles, establishing himself as the cornerstone of Houston’s defense.

His explosive first step, power, and ability to win consistently in one-on-one situations make him a nightmare for offensive tackles. Entering 2026 healthy and ascending, he’s positioned for a true breakout into elite territory.

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.