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Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson early favorite for 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Originally posted on Michigan Wolverines on SI
By Chris Breiler | Last updated May 12, 2025 10:48 AM ET

If not for a freak injury during the 2024 season, it's a pretty safe bet that Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson would have won NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The former Wolverine had a league leading 7.5 sacks and looked unstoppable before he went down with a season-ending injury in the Week 6 matchup against Dallas.

After months of recovery and rehab, it sounds like Hutchinson is on track to be at 100% by the time the Lions kick off the 2025 campaign this fall. With a healthy Hutchinson back in the fold, the Lions' star edge rusher is currently the betting favorite to win 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year according to DraftKings latest odds.

Aidan Hutchinson, Lions: +650
T.J. Watt, Steelers: +700
Myles Garrett, Browns: +700
Micah Parsons, Cowboys: +700
Will Anderson Jr., Texans: +1200
Nick Bosa, 49ers: +1600
Maxx Crosby, Raiders: +1600
Jalen Carter, Eagles: +1800
Jared Verse, Rams: +2500
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: +2500
Patrick Surtain II, Broncos: +3000
Quinyon Mitchell, Eagles: +5000
Kyle Hamilton, Ravens: +5000
Cooper DeJean, Eagles: +5000
Christian Gonzalez, Patriots: +5000
Leonard Williams, Seahawks: +6000

Aidan Hutchinson is the betting favorite (+650) to win Defensive Player of the Year next season, per @DKSportsbook

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— (@the_det_times) May 11, 2025

Hutchinson quickly established himself as a dominant force for the Lions in his rookie season. He finished the year with 9.5 sacks, 52 total tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.

In his second year with the Lions, Hutchinson finished with 11.5 sacks, 51 total tackles, one intercetption and two fumble recoveries. He earned his first selection to the Pro Bowl team for his efforts.

In 2024, Hutchinson looked like the most dominant edge rusher in the NFL. Entering the Week 6 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson's 7.5 sacks were the best in the league. But the Lions' star edge rusher would suffer a broken leg against the Cowboys that brought what could have been a record-breaking season to an end.

If Hutchinson's leg can hold up and return to where it was prior to the injury, there's all the confidence in the world that he will pick up right where he left off in 2024. And if that happens, the Detroit Lions will undoubtedly be right back in the Super Bowl hunt this fall.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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This article first appeared on Michigan Wolverines on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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