NFL analysts project top defensive award contenders for the 2026 season
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 7:30 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Members of the Windy City Gridiron staff have released their predictions for the 2026 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams emerges as the most frequent selection among the group, with analysts citing his current role on a talent-rich defensive front alongside Aaron Donald. Other notable picks include Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans, who is noted for his steady development as an edge defender. Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Patrick Surtain of the Denver Broncos also received endorsements for potential standout performances. Meanwhile, Superfans favor Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, projecting a high volume of interceptions to anchor his candidacy. The staff plans to continue releasing their individual award predictions and Super Bowl LXI outlook throughout the coming days.
- •Myles Garrett remains the favorite among several analysts following his move to the Los Angeles Rams.
- •Will Anderson Jr. is positioned as a top contender due to the strength of the Houston Texans defense.
- •Patrick Surtain is viewed as a key player for a highly rated Denver Broncos defense.
- •Jaylon Johnson is projected to record 12 interceptions for the Chicago Bears this season.
- •The Windy City Gridiron staff continues to publish predictions for all major 2026 NFL awards.
- 7:30 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Protector of the Year
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Coach of the Year
- 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Defensive Rookie of the Year
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Defensive Player of the Year
"The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next is our pick for Protector of the Year. Could the award stay in Chicago?
"The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next is our pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
"The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next up is Defensive Player of the Year.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 7:30 PM2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Protector of the Year
The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next is our pick for Protector of the Year. Could the award stay in Chicago?
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 12:00 PM2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Coach of the Year
The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next is our pick for Coach of the Year.
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 4:00 PM2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Defensive Rookie of the Year
The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next is our pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 3:00 PM2026 NFL Season Award Predictions: Defensive Player of the Year
The WCG Crew is predicting the 2026 NFL Awards, and next up is Defensive Player of the Year.
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