Why Montez Sweat is the Smart Bet for 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

by , 20 August 2024

Montez Sweat is emerging as a compelling choice for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, offering significant value at +3000 odds. With the last three winners being edge defenders who posted impressive sack totals, Sweat’s 12.5 sacks in 2023, split between two teams, position him as a strong contender. As the Chicago Bears look to improve in 2024, Sweat’s impact on their defense could propel him to NFL honors.

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Montez Sweat’s 2023 Performance: A Solid Foundation

Montez Sweat had a standout year in 2023, showcasing his ability as one of the premier edge defenders in the NFL. Splitting his season between the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears, Sweat managed to accumulate 12.5 sacks, ranking him among the top pass rushers in the league. His performance was marked by consistency, as he registered sacks in nine different games, including five games with multiple sacks. This production level established Sweat as a disruptive force on the field, capable of altering the course of a game with his pass-rushing prowess and is definitely worth considering at the best betting sites.

During his time with the Commanders, Sweat contributed significantly to their defensive efforts, recording 6.5 sacks in just eight games. However, his midseason trade to the Bears truly highlighted his impact. Once in Chicago, Sweat quickly became the centerpiece of their defensive front, leading the team with six sacks over the season’s final nine games. His ability to adapt and thrive in a new defensive system underscored his versatility and effectiveness as a pass rusher.

Sweat’s influence on the Bears’ defense was immediate and profound. Before his arrival, the Bears struggled to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, often leaving their secondary exposed. With Sweat in the lineup, Chicago’s defense transformed, allowing an average of just 17.8 points per game over the last nine games, a marked improvement from the 30-plus points allowed in the first half of the season. This turnaround was largely attributed to Sweat’s ability to generate pressure, disrupt the pocket, and force hurried throws.

Montez Sweat Career Stats
Year Team GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD
2019 WAS 16 16 50 31 19 7.0 2 0 0 0 2 — — — — —
2020 WAS 16 16 45 28 17 9.0 2 0 0 0 6 1 15 15 15 1
2021 WAS 10 10 24 13 11 5.0 3 0 0 0 — — — — — —
2022 WAS 17 17 46 27 19 8.0 0 0 0 0 2 — — — — —
2023 WAS 8 8 32 21 11 6.5 2 0 0 0 1 — — — — —
2023 CHI 9 9 25 17 8 6.0 1 0 0 0 3 — — — — —
Career — 76 76 222 137 85 41.5 10 0 0 0 14 1 15 15 15 1

The 2023 season not only reinforced Montez Sweat’s status as an elite edge defender but also set the stage for what could be an even more dominant 2024. With the Bears expected to improve overall and compete for a playoff spot, Sweat’s role as the anchor of their defense positions him as a legitimate contender for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His performance last season provides a solid foundation for what could be a career-defining year in 2024.

The Edge Defender Trend: Recent Winners and Their Sack Totals

In recent years, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award has seen a clear trend favoring edge defenders, particularly those who consistently record high sack totals.

Notably, the last three recipients of this prestigious award have all been dominant pass rushers: Myles Garrett in 2023, Nick Bosa in 2022, and T.J. Watt in 2021. Each of these players led their teams in sacks and ranked among the league leaders, with Garrett posting 14 sacks, Bosa tallying 18.5, and Watt recording an impressive 19 sacks in their respective winning seasons. Their ability to pressure the quarterback consistently has become a key metric for earning DPOY honors.

Montez Sweat enters the 2024 season with similar credentials, having posted 12.5 sacks in 2023, a total that places him in the same conversation as these recent DPOY winners. While his sack numbers were slightly lower than those of Garrett, Bosa, and Watt during their award-winning campaigns, Sweat’s potential to increase his production is significant, especially with a full season in Chicago’s defensive system. If Sweat can capitalize on more opportunities to rush the passer, particularly in games where the Bears hold a lead, his sack total could easily surpass 14, putting him squarely in the DPOY race.

Furthermore, like Garrett, Bosa, and Watt, Sweat’s impact extends beyond just sack totals. His ability to disrupt the pocket, force fumbles, and influence game plans makes him a well-rounded edge defender capable of anchoring a defense. As the NFL continues to emphasize the importance of quarterback pressure, players like Sweat who excel in this area are increasingly favored for DPOY consideration. Given this trend and Sweat’s upward trajectory, he is poised to join the ranks of recent edge defenders who have claimed the DPOY award.

Chicago Bears’ 2024 Prospects: A Defense on the Rise

The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2024 season with renewed optimism, driven by strategic roster moves and the continued development of key players. With improvements on both sides of the ball, the Bears are expected to be more competitive, potentially challenging for a postseason berth. This overall team improvement is crucial for Montez Sweat, as a successful season for the Bears could significantly enhance his visibility and impact, which are key factors in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year race.

Defensively, the Bears have bolstered their lineup, which should create more opportunities for Sweat to shine. With a stronger defensive front, Sweat will likely face fewer double teams, allowing him to increase his sack totals and further disrupt opposing offenses. The presence of other defensive playmakers will also help create a more balanced unit, making it difficult for offenses to focus solely on neutralizing Sweat.

Moreover, a more successful team generally means more high-stakes games, where standout performances are more likely to be noticed. If the Bears can compete for a playoff spot, Sweat’s contributions in key games could be pivotal, boosting his candidacy for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. As Chicago’s defense rises, so too do Sweat’s chances of securing one of the NFL’s most prestigious individual honors.

Sweat’s Value in Betting Markets

Montez Sweat is currently listed at +3000 to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, making him an intriguing value bet for 2024. His odds reflect both his potential for a breakout season and the relative lack of attention compared to more established stars. Given his performance in 2023 and the Chicago Bears’ expected improvement, betting on Sweat at these odds could yield significant returns for those willing to take a calculated risk.

Other top candidates for the award include Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (+650), Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (+650), and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (+750). Last year’s runner-up, San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa, stands at +800, while Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders stands at +900. Further down the list are Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions (+1500), Josh Hines-Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars (+2500), and Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs (+2500).

Despite these big names, Sweat’s +3000 odds offer a compelling opportunity. His strong finish to the 2023 season and the potential for a bigger impact in 2024 position him as a sleeper pick in the DPOY race. With a full season in Chicago and more pass-rushing opportunities, Sweat could easily exceed expectations, making him a smart bet at his current odds.

Please be aware that these odds may fluctuate. This content is provided for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to provide financial guidance. Gamble responsibly, and for assistance with gambling-related issues, please consult the resources listed in the footer of this page.

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