Chris Long makes NFL Defensive Player of The Year case for Raiders DE Maxx Crosby

"He's...accountable for 65 percent of his team's sacks," said Long on his podcast with The 33rd Team. "T.J. Watt (Steelers) won it on a bad defense last year." 

Long's correct: Pittsburgh ranked 24th in total yards allowed last season, but Watt recorded 22.5 sacks, tying the NFL's single-season record.

Crosby, who is fourth in sacks (10.5) through 11 games, would need to average 2.4 over his next five games to tie Watt, let alone surpass him. 

Accomplishing this is difficult because the Raiders tie for last in sacks (16), so teams can key in on him since he's the only consistent source of pressure. 

However, it's something he might have to do since he faces stiff competition from his fellow pass-rushers. Per Oddschecker, Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Nick Bosa (49ers) and Matthew Judon (Patriots) are favorites to win the award.

All sit above Crosby on the league's sack leaderboard and play for teams with stronger playoff chances. Perhaps going on a historic tear that improves his team's postseason possibilities is the only way to come away with an upset.