If you talk to any ball knower you definitely have heard the term “defense wins championships”. While only one of the five players that is nominated for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award is still in the playoffs, anyone would be happy to have any of these five players leading their defense. Myles Garrett is the runaway favorite to win the award for the second time in three seasons. The last time Garrett won was in 2023 and there is not much relevance to show the other four candidates after the Cleveland Browns defensive end broke the single season sack record with 23 sacks. Will Anderson Jr had an incredible season and will be up for this award for years to come as well as Micah Parsons who is the third favorite to win the award even after only playing in 14 games this season before injuring his knee against the Broncos in Week 14. Aidan Hutchinson is number four on the list but is also up for the Comeback Player of the Year award after tearing his knee in last season’s playoffs. Denver’s Nik Bonitto was leading the sack race early in the season but somewhat fizzled out even though Denver has had a top five defense all season. Bonitto is the only player on this list still playing in the playoffs and has a chance to make an impact on Sunday vs the New England Patriots to help get the Broncos their first AFC Championship and Super Bowl berth since 2015/16.
Regular season stats
Myles Garrett: 43 solo tackles (T-130) / 23 sacks (1st) / 3 forced fumbles (T-7th)
Will Anderson Jr: 35 solo tackles (150+) / 12 sacks (T-8th) / 3 forced fumbles (T-7th)
Micah Parsons: 19 solo tackles (150+) / 12.5 sacks (7th) / 2 forced fumbles (T-21st)
Aidan Hutchinson: 36 solo tackles / 14.5 sacks (4th) / 4 forced fumbles (T-2nd) / 1 interception (T-90th)
Nik Bonitto: 31 solo tackles (150+) / 14 sacks (5th) / 2 forced fumbles (T-21st)
Betting odds per FanDuel Sportsbook
Myles Garrett (-50000)
Will Anderson Jr (+17500)
Micah Parsons (+20000)
Aidan Hutchinson (+40000)
Nik Bonitto (+40000)
