After narrowly missing the trophy in 2025, Houston’s elite edge rusher enters his fourth season anchored by a loaded front four and primed to dominate the league.
The Houston Texans entered the 2026 season with one of the NFL’s most feared defenses, and that unit could have a major say in the league’s biggest individual defensive award. Will Anderson Jr. is once again being viewed as a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate, with The Athletic’s David DeChant predicting that the Texans’ star edge rusher will take home the award this season.
Anderson already came close in 2025, finishing second in the voting behind Myles Garrett. With Garrett now joining the Los Angeles Rams and Houston returning a loaded defensive front, DeChant believes the opportunity is there for Anderson to finally get over the hump.
“Will Anderson Jr. would have won the award in 2025 if not for Myles Garrett, and though Garrett could have more opportunities on a winning team with the Rams in 2026, I think it's more likely he sacrifices some production to the rest of L.A.'s terrifying front,” DeChant wrote.
That change in circumstances could benefit Anderson. Garrett remains one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers, but he is now surrounded by an imposing Rams defensive line that includes Aaron Donald, potentially creating more competition for individual production. Anderson, meanwhile, remains one of the focal points of Houston’s defense.
There is also plenty of talent around Anderson in Houston. Danielle Hunter gives the Texans another elite pass rusher on the opposite side, making it difficult for opposing offenses to devote all of their attention to Anderson. That depth could create more one-on-one opportunities for the former No. 3 overall pick. DeChant believes that combination could be enough to put Anderson over the top.
“Anderson also has competition on his own team (Danielle Hunter), but he's clearly the best player on what should be the NFL's best or second-best defense.”
That final point is particularly important. Houston’s defense is expected to be one of the biggest strengths of the team entering 2026, and Anderson has an opportunity to become the face of a unit that could dictate games throughout the season.
Anderson has already established himself as one of the league’s premier young defenders. Now, heading into his fourth NFL season, he has another chance to turn that individual dominance into the DPOY trophy.
Nothing is guaranteed before the season begins, especially with players like Garrett, Hunter and several other elite defenders competing for the same award. Still, Anderson enters the year with a strong case on paper and the support of one of The Athletic’s analysts.
After coming up just short in 2025, 2026 could be the year Anderson finally takes the next step and becomes the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
