Stephon Gilmore is the best cornerback in the NFL and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year winner, and yet oddsmakers don't consider the New England Patriots star one of the favorites for the award in 2020.
Gilmore led all players in passes defensed and tied for the league lead in interceptions during the 2019 season. He was the best player on the league's top pass defense -- a unit that helped propel the Patriots to a 12-4 record and an 11th consecutive AFC East title.
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Despite earning back-to-back All-Pro seasons, Gilmore is not among the five betting favorites for the 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Here are the latest odds on which player will win DPoY, courtesy of DraftKings:
1. Aaron Donald, DE, Rams: +700
2. Nick Bosa, DE 49ers: +1000
3. Khalil Mack, LB, Bears: 1200
4. J.J. Watt, DE, Texans: +1200
5. T.J. Watt, LB, Steelers: +1200
6. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots: +1600
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Winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons is not unheard of. In fact, it's happened twice in the last six years. Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald won it in 2017 and 2018, while Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt won in 2013 and 2014.
Gilmore is still in the prime of his career and there's no reason to believe his play will decline any huge amount in 2020. In fact, he could be even better next season when you consider the fact he's improved in each of his three years with the Patriots.
New England's secondary remains one of the best in the league, so Gilmore will be surrounded by plenty of talented teammates each game, in addition to having the best defensive coach of all-time in Bill Belichick creating the game plan.
The Patriots have plenty of motivation entering 2020, and for Gilmore in particular, these betting odds could serve as additional fuel.