NFL Futures: Best Bets to Win Defensive Player of the Year (2020)
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As the dust settles after the NFL’s first-ever virtual draft, we can now turn our attention to players props for the upcoming 2020 season. In a league so focused on passing and offense, defensive stars sometimes get lost in the conversation. While they may not have the same sheen a star quarterback possesses, the effects stud lineman, cornerbacks and linebackers have can truly decide the outcome of a game on a nightly basis. Let’s discuss the likely candidates for Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
(Odds per FanDuel Sportsbook)
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The Favorite
Aaron Donald (+750)
Even after winning in 2017 & 2018 – Donald continues to be a legitimate candidate for this award annually. In the last three seasons, he’s amassed 43.5 sacks to go along with 11 forced fumbles – the man is in a league of his own. While the Rams defensive corps struggled as a whole in 2019, he still compiled 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, which was considered a relative down year for this defensive force.
What makes Donald’s accomplishments even more impressive is his diminutive stature compared to the league average defensive tackle. He measures in at 6’1 – 280 lbs, while the NFL average for the position is 6’3 – 310 lbs.
Still in his prime years at age 29, look for Donald to continue wrecking the league on a weekly basis while in route to another Defensive POY award.
Best Values
Nick Bosa (+1300)
The expectations will be sky-high for Bosa as he enters his second season in the NFL. He exploded on the scene in his rookie year with 9 sacks and an interception; while also ranking top five at his position in pocket pressure. The 49er’s traded away star Deforest Buckner this past offseason, giving the keys to Bosa to lead this defensive line. Look for him to take another step forward after a stellar rookie campaign.
TJ Watt (+1500)
While Watt’s older brother J.J garners the most attention, TJ has subtly lead the Steelers in sacks the previous three seasons after finishing with 14.5 in 2019. Watt coming in with 15-1 odds could pay dividends considering last season he finished with more tackles, quarterback hits, and sacks than both Bosa and Donald. As his play and statistics keep ascending, it would be wise to gamble on this man to finally win this prestigious award.
Best Longshot
Myles Garrett (+3300)
Garrett was enjoying an outstanding campaign last season with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles in a mere ten games played – until he was suspended for the final six games after a fighting incident with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph. He has long been considered a physical freak with unlimited potential; which also reflects the Browns’ beliefs after they recently picked up his fifth-year option. Now reinstated, I look for Garret to be supremely motivated in 2020 as he looks to redeem himself for his embarrassing on-field behavior.
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Jordan Anderson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jordan, check out his archive.