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T.J. Watt leads the league in sacks with 17.5 and is currently the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year at +175, according to Sports Betting Dime. Watt's odds should increase even more, as Myles Garrett had another unproductive game on Saturday. Garrett recorded just one total tackle and one quarterback hit in the Browns' loss to the Packers.
Garrett had the third-best odds at +400 before Saturday's game. Cowboys' rookie inside linebacker Micah Parsons is second at +300.
If Watt continues the trend that he's on, he should run away with the DPOY award. According to Michael Bertsch of the Steelers public relations department, along with leading the league in sacks, Watt ranks first in quarterback hits (30) and fumble recoveries (3), and ranks tied for second in tackles for losses (17) and tied for fourth in forced fumbles (4).
Watt's 67 career sacks are also the third-most by a player in his first five seasons since 1982. Watt surpassed Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas (66) this past Sunday. Only Reggie White (81) and his brother, J.J. Watt (74.5), have more. Watt needs 5.5 sacks in the last three games to break Michael Strahan's all-time single-season sack record (2001). If Watt breaks Strahan's record, he should be a lock for DPOY.
I think Garrett shouldn't be considered for DPOY anymore, he's fallen off the last few weeks. Parsons might have a chance to surpass Watt, but he'll have to go completely off in the last three games. Also, it's very rare that a rookie wins DPOY. The last rookie to win the award was Lawrence Taylor in 1981.
Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs and three-time DPOY Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald are also having incredible seasons, but they're on the outside looking in right now. This is Watt's award to win. He's in the drivers seat right now.