2025-26 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Guide: Abdul Carter Maintains Early Lead in Defensive ROY Race
Get the latest NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds, with Abdul Carter, Jihaad Campbell, and Carson Schwesinger leading the race. See which contenders are climbing or falling, the most popular bets, and a full guide to DROY futures, including updated lines, key stats, and market trends shaping the award chase.
OC Staff - September 30, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT
7 Minute ReadNFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds: Abdul Carter Maintains Lead in DROY Race to Start 2025 Season
The Defensive Rookie of the Year race is starting to take shape, and one name continues to stand above the rest: Abdul Carter. The former Penn State edge rusher was taken third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and he has quickly proven why scouts labeled him one of the most disruptive defenders in years. Carter’s odds have already shortened to +150, making him the clear favorite to take home the award. Even without gaudy sack totals yet, his presence has been undeniable, commanding attention on every snap and elevating the Giants defense. Last week, he racked up eight quarterback pressures against Justin Herbert in an upset win over the Chargers, a game that showcased just how much havoc he can wreak.
Behind Carter, Alabama product Jihaad Campbell has emerged as the most serious challenger. The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker began the season with much longer odds at +2000 but has skyrocketed to +340 after a dominant opening month. Campbell has been everywhere on the field, recording 22 tackles and even picking off a pass to solidify his playmaking credentials. His combination of athleticism and instincts gives Philadelphia a defensive cornerstone, and if he keeps producing at this level, Carter may actually have a real rival in the award race.
The biggest riser in recent weeks has been Carson Schwesinger, a second-round linebacker out of UCLA who has burst onto the scene for the Cleveland Browns. At +600, Schwesinger has climbed quickly into the third spot on the board, thanks to piling up 31 tackles and a sack through the first four weeks. Cleveland’s defense has been among the league’s best, and Schwesinger’s reliability in the middle has been a huge part of that success. His steady workload and production suggest his odds could continue tightening if he keeps stacking double-digit tackle performances.
Outside of the top three, there is a steep drop-off. Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, and Mike Green all linger in the +1900 to +2000 range, keeping them within striking distance but needing a breakout performance to reenter the conversation. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Carter, Campbell, and Schwesinger, who have created separation from the rest of the field. As the season progresses, the question is whether Carter can maintain his stranglehold on the award race, or if one of the surging linebackers can close the gap and make this a true battle down the stretch.
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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Risers & Fallers: NFL Defensive Rookie 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 Rookie of the Year board (odds changes are week to week):
📈 Risers
- Abdul Carter (+240 → +150) Carter has lived up to the hype as the Giants’ top pick, disrupting quarterbacks every week and solidifying his place as the favorite.
- Jihaad Campbell (+2000 → +340) The Alabama linebacker has flown up the board with 22 tackles and an interception, becoming the Eagles’ defensive anchor early.
- Carson Schwesinger (+5000 → +600) Once a deep longshot, the Browns rookie is piling up stops and emerging as one of the most surprising contenders.
📉 Fallers
- Travis Hunter (+1000 → +4000) Hunter’s two-way role has limited his defensive impact, cooling early buzz around his candidacy. He's mostly played offense for the Jags so far.
- Mason Graham (+750 → +3000) The Browns defensive tackle hasn’t made the splash voters look for, slipping down the odds board after a quiet first month compared to his teammate Schwesinger.
Bettors Backed Abdul Carter Heavy in Preseason
In the preseason, bettors wasted no time piling onto Abdul Carter, making him the most popular choice on the board. The Giants’ top draft pick drew a market-leading 18.4% of all tickets and 27.2% of the total handle before the season kicked off, giving sportsbooks one of their biggest liabilities out of the gate. That action has only aged well as Carter remains the clear frontrunner just a month into the year.
Another notable liability has emerged in Carson Schwesinger, who opened at longshot odds of +5000. Few expected him to carve out such an immediate role in Cleveland’s stacked defense, but his fast start has pushed him firmly into the top three and left sportsbooks exposed if his momentum continue
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.
More NFL Odds
