Steelers’ T.J. Watt Trails Cowboys' Micah Parsons for DPOY Odds
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, fans have their eyes on the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race.
NFL.com recently released its predictions for the prestigious award, and to the surprise of many Steelers fans, T.J. Watt is trailing Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons in the odds.
Rich Barnes - USA TODAY Sports
According to NFL.com, Micah Parsons leads the DPOY race with +550 odds, while Watt is tied for second with Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby, both at +575. Despite Watt’s relentless performance last season, where he came close to clinching the award, he now faces tough competition from Parsons, who has emerged as the frontrunner.
Watt’s consistency and ability to make game-changing plays have kept him in the upper echelon of NFL defenders. In 2023, he finished just behind Myles Garrett in the DPOY voting, securing 11 first-place votes compared to Garrett's 23.
Watt's versatility and knack for sacking the quarterback have made him a vital component of the Steelers defense, which has been a cornerstone of the team's identity.
However, the predictions indicate that the spotlight is shifting towards Parsons, a dynamic edge rusher who has quickly become a force in the NFL. While Watt’s odds are still strong, the competition from Parsons and others like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett means that Watt will need to elevate his game even further to reclaim the DPOY title he won in 2021.
Steelers fans will be watching closely as Watt takes the field on September 8th against the Falcons, hoping to see their star linebacker kick off the season with a statement performance.
As the season progresses, the DPOY race is sure to be one of the most closely followed narratives, with Watt poised to prove why he remains one of the league’s most feared defenders.
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