Myles Garrett on Injured Reserve – Who’s the New NFL DPOY Favorite?

The NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) market experienced a massive earthquake following the news that Los Angeles Rams superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and is headed to injured reserve. With Garrett projected to miss at least four weeks, prediction markets and sportsbooks have drastically re-priced the race.

Updated NFL DPOY Odds

Will Anderson Jr has surged into the driver’s seat as the new frontrunner, trading at 23¢ (+335) in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds. The Houston pass-rusher enters the top spot in prime position after capturing Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 and taking another leap into elite game-wrecker status the past two seasons (23.0 sacks, combined).

Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions sits right behind Anderson at 14¢ (+614), solidifying a clear tier at the top of the board.

Even if Garrett returns immediately after his four-game stint on IR, missing nearly a quarter of the regular season makes climbing back over high-volume sack leaders virtually impossible for award voters. His 13¢ price on Polymarket still carries downside risk compared to Kalshi, where he is already trading at just 4¢ (+2400).

How Will Loss of Garrett Impact Rams?

Garrett’s absence leaves a massive void along the Rams’ defensive front, stripping them of their primary double-team magnet. This shifts heavy attention onto second-year edge rusher Jared Verse (+2400).

While Verse will see more pass-rushing opportunities, he will also face top protection schemes without Garrett commanding help on the opposite side. Bettors should anticipate lower defensive pressure rates for Los Angeles over the next month, potentially affecting Rams game totals and defensive props.

After losing to the 49ers in Melbourne in Week 1, the Rams are slated to face the New York Giants at home on Monday in Week 2. The current MNF odds list the Rams as 8.5-point home chalk.