Did Browns HC just cost Myles Garrett DPOY?

The race for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year is likely to come down to Week 18. However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski may have just ended DE Myles Garrett's chances of winning it.

Stefanski told reporters on Friday that Garrett will rest on Sunday since Cleveland has locked up the No. 5 seed in the AFC, meaning his 2023 campaign has come to a close. 

The decision to sit Garrett this week makes sense since he wasn't at practice on Friday and health is the most important thing now that the team clinched a playoff berth. But the seven-year veteran had to have had something to say so close to winning his first DPOY.

Garrett is currently the favorite to win the award, according to FanDuel. But Cowboys LB Micah Parsons and Steelers LB T.J. Watt, who are close behind in the odds, are both expected to play in Week 18 as their teams are still fighting for playoff positioning.

Watt leads Garrett in tackles (60), sacks (17), passes defensed (eight), interceptions (one) and fumble recoveries (three) and now has the opportunity to build upon his case for DPOY on Saturday.

Garrett's case is strong with 42 tackles, 14 sacks, 17 tackles for a loss, three passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on the NFL's best defense in regards to total yards allowed per game (266.6). 

He may just be passed by Watt and/or Parsons if they have another strong performance this weekend.

Stefanski, of course, did not end Garrett's 2023 regular season with bad intentions. In fact, he believes Garrett should win the award.

"He's the best defensive player on the NFL's best defense," Stefanski told reporters.

However, Stefanski won't be the one deciding who is awarded this year's DPOY and it may not be Garrett now with his Week 18 inactive tag.