Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was widely expected to contend for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024 before a leg injury prematurely ended his season.
Now, heading into 2025, oddsmakers have him as the frontrunner not just for that award, but for another major honor as well.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Hutchinson is currently the betting favorite to win both Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
His +650 odds for DPOY place him slightly ahead of Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, all listed at +700.
Notably, Garrett has requested a trade from Cleveland, and Hutchinson acknowledged the two have discussed the possibility of teaming up in Detroit.
Hutchinson also leads the race for Comeback Player of the Year, with +200 odds, ahead of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (+300), Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+350), Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (+400), and Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (+750).
If Hutchinson returns to full strength and performs at the level he displayed before his injury, he could take home both awards at the 2026 NFL Honors.
And if his impact propels the Lions to a deep playoff run, he might have even bigger plans than attending the awards ceremony – preparing for the Super Bowl.
What are your expectations for Hutchinson going forward? … Do you think he’ll be able to regain his old dominant form???
