Myles Garrett’s 2019 DPOY Odds Improve to +1000 After Opening at +2200

• Aaron Donald has won the Defensive Player Of The Year Award in two straight seasons.
• No player has ever won the award in three consecutive years.
• Darius Leonard could be a value play at +3300 if he has another season like he did in 2018.

There has been a fast-riser in terms of the odds to win the Defensive Player of the Year. Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett was as high as +2200 when the 2019 NFL DPOY odds opened, but now he’s down to +1000. You can still get him at +1600, so is he worth a play? Let’s take a closer look.

2019 Defensive Player Of The Year Odds

*Odds taken at 8/22/19

Rarely Does DPOY Winner Repeat

When you take a look at the odds for this prop, Aaron Donald, who has won this award in two straight seasons, is favored to do it again. However, it’s important to note that the same player rarely wins this award in back-to-back seasons. J.J. Watt did it in 2014 and 2015 and Lawrence Taylor won it in 1981 and 1982.

Outside of that trio, nobody else has won it in back-to-back years since 1971. More importantly, nobody has ever done it three years in a row. That’s why it seems like bettors are looking at longer shots who have a chance to win this. Garrett made sense at his price and the action on him has caused the number to drop.

Garrett Coming Off Strong Season

Garrett is fresh off an impressive campaign as he had 13.5 sacks last season (seventh-most in the NFL) along with three forced fumbles, three safeties and three passes defended. What’s impressive is that he didn’t have a ton of help around him last season but the situation is going to look very different as the Browns have re-stocked the defensive cupboard.

The Browns acquired Olivier Vernon, who was the New York Giants sack leader last season. They also picked up a stout defensive lineman in Sheldon Richardson and spent a high draft pick on LSU corner Greedy Williams, one of the most physical defensive back prospects in this cycle.

If he had 13.5 sacks in 16 games last year and seven in 11 games in his rookie season, what’s his ceiling when he’s not only improved, but has a much stronger supporting cast around him.

James Injury Helps Garrett

One of the keys to note here is that injuries have already taken a toll on these odds. Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James was among the leading candidates to win this award but he’s now slated to miss three to four months with a foot injury. That takes him out of the running.

Even Garrett himself is banged up, although it’s slated to be minor. He missed the team’s second preseason game after suffering some kind of injury in a joint practice. It’s nothing to worry about but it shows just how injuries can factor.

Garrett Is A Good Bet, Leonard Offers Value

I have not qualms with taking a shot with Garrett at +1600 as you haven’t lost a ton of value there. I did take him when he was higher as I felt like he was being overlooked.

If you’re interested in another player who appears to be getting overlooked, I’d keep an eye on Darius Leonard. He led the league in tackles last season while adding in seven sacks, four fumbles forced and two picks.

Leonard is in the same situation again where the Colts will probably score plenty of points, forcing the defense to be on the field quite a bit.

Khalil Mack had 12.5 sacks last year but just 47 total tackles with one pick. He was the bigger brand name, so that’s part of why he finished as runner-up.

However, Leonard had a monster season last year and should have shorter odds than +3300. Remember he was a rookie last year and should get even better. A season like that could win him the award.