2025-26 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Guide: Aidan Hutchinson, Micah Parsons Lead DPOY Race
Get the latest NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds, with Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons leading the race. See which contenders are climbing or falling, the most popular bets, and a full guide to DPOY futures, including updated lines, key stats, and market trends shaping the award chase.
OC Staff - October 1, 2025, 1:45 AM EDT
7 Minute ReadNFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds: Aidan Hutchinson, Micah Parsons Lead DOPY Race in Stacked NFC North
The Defensive Player of the Year race is already taking shape after the opening month of the season, and three superstar pass rushers have quickly separated themselves from the pack. Aidan Hutchinson, Micah Parsons, and Myles Garrett sit atop the odds board, all commanding short numbers while the rest of the field lags far behind. History is on their side too — defensive ends have captured this award in five of the last six years, setting a clear precedent for the type of dominance voters reward.
Hutchinson has surged into the role of early favorite at +360 after a ferocious start to the season for Detroit. The former No. 2 overall pick has recorded four sacks through four games, once again proving himself as the heart of the Lions’ defense. His relentless motor has consistently set the tone, and with Detroit emerging as an NFC contender, Hutchinson’s visibility and impact only strengthen his candidacy.
Garrett is right there with him at +400, carrying four sacks of his own and serving as the anchor of Cleveland’s fearsome front. When healthy, Garrett has been virtually unblockable, forcing opposing offenses to alter their entire game plan to slow him down. The Browns’ defense has been among the league’s stingiest, and Garrett’s ability to wreck plays in both the pass and run game makes him an undeniable force in this race.
Parsons, meanwhile, has adjusted seamlessly to his new role in Green Bay after a blockbuster offseason trade from Dallas. Though he trails slightly in sack totals with 2.5, Parsons’ disruptive presence jumps off the tape. His consistent quarterback pressures have created turnovers and stalled drives, including a crucial late-game sack against Dak Prescott in the Packers’ Sunday night showdown with Dallas. At +380, he’s neck and neck with Hutchinson and Garrett, and it’s clear the DPOY conversation is centered squarely on these three superstars.
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NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds
Risers & Fallers: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds Movement
Since the preseason, the futures market has shifted significantly after the first month of the season. Here are the biggest risers and fallers on the NFL Defensive Player of the Year board (odds changes are week to week):
📈 Risers
- Micah Parsons (+850 → +380) Parsons has thrived in his first month with Green Bay, piling up pressures and game-changing plays. His move hasn’t slowed him down one bit, and his odds have more than halved.
- Aidan Hutchinson (+700 → +360) The Lions’ star edge rusher has opened with four sacks in four games, cementing his spot as the early favorite. He’s leading one of the NFC’s toughest defenses.
- Myles Garrett (+800 → +400) Cleveland’s defensive cornerstone continues to dominate, racking up four sacks and constant disruption. He’s right in step with Hutchinson as a frontrunner.
- Nik Bonitto (+6000 → +1500) A breakout performer for Denver, Bonitto already has 4.5 sacks and is quickly becoming one of the league’s most dangerous young pass rushers from the linebacker position.
📉 Fallers
- Trey Hendrickson (+3000 → +7500) Cincinnati’s defensive struggles have dragged Hendrickson down the board despite his usual effort. He’s been unable to make the same consistent impact.
- Nick Bosa (+1600 → Off the board) The two-time DPOY suffered an unfortunate ACL injury in Week 3 and is out for the season, removing him from contention after a strong start.
- Maxx Crosby (+1200 → +3000) Crosby is still playing well, but the Raiders’ defensive issues and lack of winning visibility have hurt his chances.
- Patrick Surtain II (+2800 → +10000) The Broncos’ defense had been mediocre until their shut down of the Bengals on Monday Night Football, but Surtain's chances of repeating as DPOY are looking like a longshot.
Bettors Backed Aidan Hutchinson, Jalen Carter Heavy in Preseason
In the preseason, bettors showed little hesitation in backing the top names on the board, with Aidan Hutchinson emerging as the clear favorite among the public. The Lions’ pass rusher led all players with 23.3% of the total handle, a massive share that made him the biggest liability for sportsbooks before the season kicked off.
Behind him, Jalen Carter drew 12.1% of the handle, as many expected the Eagles’ second-year star to take another leap after his stellar first two years with the team. Micah Parsons also commanded 9.4%, even while his rocky summer with Cowboys ownership briefly cast doubt on his outlook. Those early investments are looking sharp now, as Hutchinson and Parsons headline the current frontrunners in the DPOY race.
Betting on NFL Futures: A Quick Guide
Futures bets are one of the most fun ways to get action down on the NFL. Instead of just betting on who wins this week, you’re wagering on something bigger that plays out over the whole season (or all the way to the Super Bowl).
Think of futures as long-term tickets; they give you a rooting interest that sticks. Every win, loss, injury, or breakout performance can move the odds, and if you locked in early, that value is yours to ride all season long.
The most popular NFL futures markets include:
- Super Bowl Winner (which team hoists the Lombardi in February)
- Conference & Division Champions
- Regular Season Win Totals (Over/Unders)
- Player Awards (MVP, Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player, etc.)
- Stat Leaders (Most Passing Yards, Rushing Yards, etc.)
- Player Milestones (e.g., Will a QB hit 40+ Passing TDs?)
Super Bowl MVP Odds
If you’re not diving into futures market until mid-season, the Super Bowl MVP is a great place to look instead of this Regular Season MVP market. These odds are not up at most books as they wait for the contenders to make themselves known. It’s basically a two-part bet: you’re picking the team you think will win it all and which star will carry them.
- Quarterbacks usually dominate (think Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson).
- Running backs and wide receivers can cash if they have monster games on the big stage.
- Occasionally, a defensive player or special teams star sneaks in — rare, but the payouts are huge.
This market heats up late into the season, so you can hedge or double down based on which teams look like true contenders.
Explore oddschecker's NFL Futures Markets
Here’s a breakdown of all the NFL futures you can bet on this season, with quick explanations for casual fans:
Popular NFL Outrights
Super Bowl Winner – Which team lifts the Lombardi.
Super Bowl Matchup – Pick the exact two teams that will face off.
Super Bowl Winning Conference – AFC vs. NFC.
Super Bowl Winning Division – Which division produces the Super Bowl champ.
AFC Champion / NFC Champion – Who represents each conference in the big game.
#1 Seed Markets - AFC #1 Seed / NFC #1 Seed – Which team earns home-field advantage through the playoffs.
Player Awards
- Offensive Rookie of the Year / Defensive Rookie of the Year – Bet on which rookie makes the biggest impact in their first season.
- Comeback Player of the Year – Awarded to a player who bounces back from injury or a tough year.
- Coach of the Year – Goes to the head coach who turns a team around or exceeds expectations.
- Offensive Player of the Year / Defensive Player of the Year – Recognizes the best all-around offensive or defensive star outside of the MVP race.
- Protector of the Year – Honors the league’s best offensive lineman.
- MVP – The big one: Most Valuable Player across the entire NFL Regular Season.
Season Leader Odds
- Most Passing Yards – Which QB airs it out the most.
- Most Passing TDs – Quarterback with the most touchdown throws.
- Most Receiving Yards – Wideout or tight end who racks up the biggest yardage total.
- Most Rushing Yards – Running back (or dual-threat QB) who dominates on the ground.
How To Bet On NFL Futures
NFL futures betting is simple once you know the basics. Instead of betting on one Sunday’s outcome, you’re putting money on a result that plays out over weeks or months. The most common example? Picking which team will win the Super Bowl.
Here’s a quick step-by-step for betting NFL futures:
- Choose a sportsbook and sign up. Click any offer within this article to get started with some extra bonus funds.
- Find the futures tab. Futures odds are usually posted right after the previous season ends, so markets are open year-round.
- Lock in your pick. Odds reflect the current perception of a team or player, so acting early can often give you the best value.
- Sit back and watch it unfold. Futures betting is a long-term play — you’re in it for the season, not just the weekend.
NFL Award Betting FAQs
What types of bets can I make on NFL Player Awards?
Beyond just picking who wins the Regular Season NFL MVP, you can bet on:
- Comeback Player of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Offensive Player of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Super Bowl MVP
- Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Defensive Rookie of the Year
What exactly is a futures bet?
A futures bet is a wager on something that won’t be decided right away — like who wins the Super Bowl, or whether a QB hits 4,000 passing yards in a season. Odds shift throughout the year, so locking in early can sometimes give you a better price.
Where can I bet on Super Bowl 60?
You can legally bet on Super Bowl 60 in most U.S. states with regulated sportsbooks. Top options include BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, and bet365. Each operator offers exclusive sign-up bonuses — check out our promo code page to maximize your value.
When is the best time to bet Super Bowl futures?
- Right after the previous Super Bowl — when odds first open and oddsmakers might undervalue rising teams.
- After the NFL Draft or big free-agent moves — when rosters take shape.
- Late preseason — when depth charts and injuries are clearer.
Can I cash out NFL futures early?
Yes, many sportsbooks now offer cash-out options, letting you secure profit (or cut losses) before the season ends if your team is in a good spot.
Why do Super Bowl odds change during the year?
Odds move based on betting action, injuries, roster moves, and performance. For example, if Josh Allen goes down in Week 2, the Bills’ odds would immediately lengthen.
What’s the difference between Super Bowl odds and playoff odds?
- Super Bowl Odds are outright — you’re betting on the champion.
- Playoff Odds are simpler — will a team make or miss the postseason?
Do I have to bet big money to win big?
Not at all. Futures bets often carry big payouts. A $25 bet on a +2000 underdog to win the Super Bowl would return $500 if it hits.
Can I bet on player stats all season long?
Yes. You can wager on passing yards, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and more. Books also post season milestones (ex: Will Mahomes throw 40+ TDs?) and weekly props once games kick off.
What’s the most popular Super Bowl prop?
Besides MVP, novelty props like the coin toss and Gatorade color dumped on the winning coach are staples every year.
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