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Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II strips Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins as we analyze the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year odds.
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II strips Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Photo by Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Patrick Surtain II has done everything to convince AP voters that he should be named the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, including helping to lead the Denver Broncos to the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

While nothing has been decided, he's Surtain-ly deserving of the honor and is the clear 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds (DPOY) favorite across at season's end.  

Surtain gained more separation from chasers T.J. Watt and Trey Hendrickson in Week 18, the latter of whom leapfrogged Watt.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds 2025

Defensive Player of the Year odds recent takeaways: 

  • Surtain increased his lead atop the DPOY odds leaderboard after Week 18, with his odds shortening from -200 to -588
  • Watt's odds plummeted from +180 to +900 after his worst outing, during which he failed to register a sack, tackle, or quarterback hit for the first time this season
  • Hendrickson flew ahead of Watt after nothing 3.5 sacks in Week 18. He finished with the most sacks (17.5)
  • Andrew Van Ginkel ended the season with a flurry against the Detroit Lions, but the Vikings' Super Bowl odds lengthened after the Week 18 defeat. His +3500 all but takes him out of contention

NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds favorite 2025

Patrick Surtain II Defensive Player of the Year odds (-588)

Some of Surtain's stats are staggering, and we dove deeper in our Defensive Player of the Year odds entering Week 18. He's been lights out this season, specifically over the last three weeks.

Surtain is one of the primary reasons the Broncos made the playoffs. Nobody had previously won DPOY when his team didn't make the postseason. Surtain is in the driver's seat now with that being a moot point after the Broncos qualified. 

Best odds: -588 via ESPN Bet | Implied probability: 85.47%

T.J. Watt Defensive Player of the Year odds (+900)

Watt's performances dipped substantially in the final few games. He may have been playing through pain after injuring his ankle against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. Regardless, Watt's final performance of the season, in which he was kept completely off the stat sheet for the first time, probably ended his DPOY hopes. 

That's even more true when considering Surtain's spectacular campaign. If Watt does capture his second DPOY, a $10 winning bet will profit $90.

Best odds: +900 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 10%

How to bet NFL Defensive Player of the Year futures odds

Betting on the NFL Defensive Player of the Year typically involves wagering on which player will be awarded the league's Defensive Player of the Year title at the end of the regular season.

Here are steps to bet on the NFL Defensive Player of the Year:

  • Understand the odds: Familiarize yourself with the odds listed by sportsbooks for different players to win the Defensive Player of the Year. The player with the lowest odds is considered the favorite.
  • Research player performances: Analyze the performances of various players throughout the season. Factors such as statistics, impact on their team's success, and overall contributions are crucial.
  • Monitor odds and player performance: Throughout the season, keep an eye on odds fluctuations and player performances. As the season progresses, odds will change based on players' performances and their impact on games.
  • Stay updated: Stay informed about injuries, team performance, and how players are faring.
  • Cash-out or hold: Depending on how the season progresses and the player's performance, you can decide to cash out if the odds are in your favor or hold onto your bet until the end of the season to see if your chosen player wins the Offensive Player of the Year.

Remember, betting on the NFL Defensive Player of the Year requires careful consideration of various factors and a good understanding of the game and players' performances throughout the season.

How to read NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds

Reading NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds is straightforward. Odds are usually presented in a format like +500 or -200. Positive odds (e.g., +500) show how much profit you’d make on a $100 bet.

For example, a $100 bet at +500 odds would win you $500, plus your original $100 stake, totaling $600. Negative odds (e.g., -200) indicate how much you need to bet to win $100. So, a $200 bet at -200 odds would win you $100, plus your $200 stake, totaling $300.

These odds also reflect the probability of a player winning the Defensive Player of the Year. Lower odds (e.g., +300) suggest a higher likelihood, while higher odds (e.g., +2000) indicate a lower probability. Sportsbooks adjust these odds based on performance, injuries, and betting patterns.

If Micah Parsons gets +500 odds and T.J. Watt gets +1000, Parsons is considered more likely to win. If you bet $100 on Hill and he wins, you’d get $600 back ($500 profit + $100 stake). Understanding these odds helps you make informed betting decisions and assess potential returns.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year opening odds

NFL Defensive Player of the Year opening odds via FanDuel as of June 10.

  • Micah Parsons, Cowboys: +500
  • Nick Bosa, 49ers: +700
  • Maxx Crosby, Raiders: +700
  • Myles Garrett, Browns: +700
  • T.J. Watt, Steelers: +700
  • Josh Hines-Allen, Jaguars: +1400
  • Aidan Hutchinson, Lions: +1400
  • Chris Jones, Chiefs: +2800
  • Will Anderson Jr., Texans: +3000
  • Danielle Hunter, Texans: +4000

NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds history

YearPlayerPreseason oddsTeamPosition
2023Myles Garrett+600BrownsDE
2022Nick Bosa+140049ersDE
2021T.J. Watt+800SteelersLB
2020Aaron Donald+600RamsDT
2019Stephon Gilmore+8000PatriotsCB
2018Aaron Donald+590RamsDT
2017Aaron Donald+1400RamsDT
2016Khalil Mack+650BearsLB
2015J.J. Watt+150TexansDE
2014J.J. Watt+550TexansDE

How NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting works

A panel of sportswriters who cover the NFL vote on the individual awards, including NFL Defensive Player of the Year. There are typically 50 votes available, with the player who receives the largest share of first-place votes deemed the winner.

That winner is then unveiled during the NFL Honors awards ceremony, which is set to take place during Super Bowl week on Feb. 6 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX and NFL Network.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year FAQs

Who is the favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year?

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the Defensive Player of the Year odds favorite at the end of the season, has odds of -588, implying a 81.82% probability via our odds calculator.

Who was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year last year?

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

Who's won the most Defensive Player of the Year Awards?

Lawrence Taylor, J.J. Watt, and Aaron Donald share the NFL lead with three career DPOY wins. Five players won it twice.

When was the last back-to-back NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner? 

Aaron Donald won the award in 2017 and 2018, and J.J. Watt won it in 2014 and 2015. Lawrence Taylor took the honors in 1981 and 1982. Those three are the only back-to-back recipients.  

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