With training camps opening across the league, the futures markets for the NFL's two marquee individual awards are starting to take shape.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs heads the Offensive Player of the Year odds, while Myles Garrett, now suiting up for the Los Angeles Rams after his blockbuster trade out of Cleveland, is favored to defend his Defensive Player of the Year crown.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba won the Offensive Player of the Year in 2025, and he will try to become the first receiver to ever win the award in consecutive seasons.
Although Garrett is the clear DPOY favorite, both races look wide open. With running backs, receivers and pass rushers all well represented near the top of the board, this race could go in a few different directions.
However, we’ve searched far and wide to determine which players are worth backing as we enter the preseason. Let's dive into our Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year picks.
NFL Offensive & Defensive Player of the Year betting picks and predictions
Jahmyr Gibbs to win Offensive Player of the Year (+700)
Gibbs enters the season as the clear focal point of Detroit's offense after David Montgomery was traded away, removing the timeshare that had limited his workload through his first three NFL seasons. That leaves one of the league's most explosive playmakers in line for a true three-down role behind an offensive line that remains among the NFL's elite.
With more carries, continued involvement in the passing game and plenty of red-zone opportunities, Gibbs has all the ingredients for a career-best campaign.
His dual-threat ability is what separates him from much of the field. Gibbs is equally dangerous as a runner and receiver, capable of breaking off explosive plays from anywhere on the field while consistently creating mismatches against linebackers in coverage.
If Detroit's offense performs as expected, it's easy to envision him surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards while finishing among the league leaders in touchdowns.
The competition is loaded with proven stars such as Bijan Robinson, Ja'Marr Chase and Puka Nacua, but few players combine Gibbs' game-breaking ability with the massive increase in opportunity he now receives.
Running backs have historically fared well in Offensive Player of the Year voting, particularly those who produce at an elite level both on the ground and through the air. If Gibbs stays healthy and takes advantage of his expanded role, he has every chance to separate himself from the field and emerge as the league's most productive offensive weapon.
Will Anderson Jr. to win Defensive Player of the Year (+700)
If you're looking beyond the favorite, Will Anderson Jr. stands out as one of the strongest value plays on the board. After establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier edge rushers over his first three seasons, the Texans star enters 2026 with the combination of production, supporting cast and team success that often drives Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Anderson has consistently generated pressure at an elite rate and is widely viewed as one of the league's ascending defensive superstars.
Houston's defense should once again provide Anderson with plenty of opportunities to post eye-catching numbers. Opposing offenses can't simply dedicate all their attention to him, thanks to a talented front seven that includes Danielle Hunter, allowing Anderson to see favorable one-on-one matchups throughout the season.
If he can turn those chances into another 12+ sack campaign while helping the Texans contend for one of the AFC's top seeds, he'll have a compelling résumé for voters.
Myles Garrett deserves to be favored after his historic 2025 season, but only three players have ever won the DPOY in back-to-back seasons, and Anderson offers a more appealing risk-reward profile.
NFL Offensive Player of the Year odds
Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) | +700 |
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) | +850 |
Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) | +1000 |
Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams) | +1100 |
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) | +1400 |
Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) | +1600 |
NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds
Myles Garrett (Los Angeles Rams) | +425 |
Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans) | +700 |
Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions) | +900 |
Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders) | +1400 |
Nik Bonito (Denver Broncos) | +1400 |
Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers) | +2200 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
