Aaron Donald and T.J. Watt in dead heat as Defensive Player of the Year favorites

Aaron Donald has gotten off to yet another strong start this season, recording three sacks, one forced fumble and eight quarterback hits in just three games. He came into the season as the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year and he’s done nothing to suggest he shouldn’t still be one of the top candidates.

However, T.J. Watt is making a strong push for the award once again in Pittsburgh. He has 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits and two pass deflections for the Steelers, dominating off the edge.

His hot start has pulled Watt to within striking distance of Donald in the Defensive Player of the Year odds, making it a tight race after three weeks. At Sports Betting Dime, Watt has edged ahead of Donald as the favorite at +500 (5/1), with Donald being close behind at +550 (11/2).

The next-closest player is Myles Garrett at +875 (8.75/1). It’s a similar story at DraftKings Sportsbook, where Donald and Watt are tied at +400, followed by Garrett at +700 and Khalil Mack at +1200.

The list is dominated by pass rushers, though Jamal Adams, Stephon Gilmore and Tre’Davious White are all in the top 10 at DraftKings.

In just about every pass-rushing category, Donald and Watt are among the top players. Donald leads the league in pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, with 20 through three games. Watt has 18.

In pass-rush win rate, PFF has Watt as the league-leader with an average of 29.3%. Donald is fourth at 25.5%.

Both players are absolutely dominant pass rushers and good run defenders, too, and it could come down to the wire if Donald and Watt keep up their current pace all season.

Donald has won Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career, while Watt has yet to win the award.