Minkah Fitzpatrick & Nick Bosa Appear on NFL DPOY Odds Board for First Time This Season

• Nick Bosa has +1100 odds to win 2019 NFL DPOY, while Minkah Fitzpatrick is +1600
• Bosa’s spectacular last few weeks earned him Defensive Player of the Month honors for October
• Fitzpatrick has revitalized the Pittsburgh defense since coming over from Miami in September

The odds to win 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year got a little more crowded this week, with the addition of San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Currently heavily favored to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bosa joins the fray as a +1100 wager in the NFL DPOY odds, while Fitzpatrick makes his debut on the board at +1600.

Odds to Win AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Odds taken on Nov. 13, 2019.

Bosa’s Stock Boosted by Defensive Player of the Month Win

Selected second overall by the 49ers at this year’s NFL Draft, Bosa has enjoyed an impressive debut season. The 22-year-old out of Ohio State is coming off a strong performance in San Francisco’s 27-24 overtime loss to Seattle on Monday, posting a season-high eight tackles.

https://twitter.com/OSf49ers/status/1189900953496870915?s=20

Bosa’s strong outing against the Seahawks comes on the heels of a spectacular performance in the month of October that earned him both Defensive Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors. The former Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year assembled an enviable stat sheet in Weeks 5 through Week 9, tallying six sacks, 16 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, as well as nine quarterback hits. He has been key to the Niners’ resurgence and ascension to the top of the NFC standings.

Addition of Fitzpatrick a Game Changer for Steelers

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick has played a crucial role in the Steelers’ stunning turnaround and return to playoff contention. The 11th pick in last year’s draft, Fitzpatrick has produced steady results since being dealt to Pittsburgh by the Miami Dolphins back in mid-September. The 22-year-old has recorded a league-leading five interceptions to date, returning one for a touchdown, and has racked up 46 tackles in nine outings.

Minkah Fitzpatrick has more touchdowns than Odell Beckham Jr this season. https://t.co/2Cp1h1BBOe

— nationwide hate account (@SteeIDick) November 10, 2019

Fitzpatrick also found the end zone on a fumble recovery in the Steelers’ 17-12 victory over the Los Angeles Rams this past weekend to become the team’s first player to score defensive touchdowns in consecutive contests in 35 years.

As if that was not enough, Fitzpatrick iced the win for Pittsburgh with a pick late in the contest. He has now made at least one interception in each of his past three games.

Fitzpatrick found the end zone on a fumble recovery in the Steelers’ 17-12 victory over the Los Angeles Rams this past weekend to become the team’s first player to score defensive touchdowns in consecutive contests in 35 years

But while Bosa and Fitzpatrick have strengthened their credentials of late, has either done enough to keep pace with the favorites in the DPOY odds?

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore currently leads the way as a +700 favorite, just ahead of Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa at +900, while two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is third at +1000.

Gilmore Key to Pats’ Stingy Pass Defense

Named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, Gilmore has powered a Patriots pass defense that ranks second in the NFL while surrendering 150.8 yards and a league-best three touchdowns. The eight-year veteran has also made three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Since the start of the 2018 season, the #Patriots cornerback duo of J.C. Jackson and Stephon Gilmore has allowed a passer rating of 37.0 when targeted 10+ yards down the field. pic.twitter.com/cUyjCk2Q86

— PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) November 11, 2019

However, an argument can be made that the Patriots have built their impressive pass defense numbers against lightweight competition, with six of their eight wins coming against opponents with losing records. All eight of the passing games they have faced rank in the bottom half of the league.

However, Gilmore will have the opportunity to set himself apart in upcoming clashes against Philadelphia, Dallas, Kansas City, and Houston.

Donald a Bright Spot on Struggling Rams

Donald looks to be well on his way to approaching the numbers that earned him DPOY honors last season, with 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks through nine outings. However, with his Los Angeles Rams taking a step back after reaching the Super Bowl last February, it remains to be seen how long Donald can remain at the top of the odds.

Aaron Donald is an absolute monster 💪

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Bs60nwNQYa

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 11, 2019

Indeed, with a 5-4 record and second-half schedule featuring dates with Baltimore, Seattle, Dallas, and San Francisco, the Rams are far from assured of a return to the playoffs.

Fitzpatrick a Star in the Making

That could clear the way for one of the youngsters to break through. Bosa holds an edge, in part, because of the high media profile he enjoys playing in San Francisco on a league-leading 49ers team.

However, with Fitzpatrick emerging as one of the architects of the Steelers’ unlikely return to contention, a strong finish could complete the Cinderella story for the former two-time national champion out of Alabama, adding further value to his already attractive +1600 odds.

Picks: Minkah Fitzpatrick to win DPOY (+1600)