“It’s an easy case to make.”

No cornerback has been named NFL Defensive Player of the Year since Stephon Gilmore in 2019. Sean Payton firmly believes Pat Surtain II should end that streak.

“It’s an easy argument to make,” the Broncos head coach said. “Sometimes it’s a tougher case to make, but he certainly deserves this type of award.” He’s so good.

Surtain, Denver’s star defensive back, is currently one of the betting favorites to be named AP Defensive Player of the Year, according to FanDuel. He is ahead of outside linebackers TJ Watt (Steelers), Myles Garrett (Browns) and Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), as well as safety Kerby Joseph (Lions).

Teammate and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has the ninth-best chance to win the award.

The last three winners have been Edge Rushers, most recently Garrett in 2023. Surtain, however, has a strong case for ending this run.

Surtain took his game to another level after signing a four-year extension worth $96 million during the offseason. In 15 games, he allowed 33 catches for 279 yards, two touchdowns and 56 passer ratings on 54 targets. Surtain also has four interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six in a Week 5 win over the Raiders.

He was named to his third Pro Bowl in four years on Thursday and will most likely be named an All-Pro for the second time.

“Pat is the standard,” Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “Every game he focused on playing his best ball. Whoever he played against this year, he was trying to dominate that player.

The Chiefs are resting a handful of key players: Kansas City on Friday revealed a long list of players who will be out for Sunday’s regular-season finale at Empower Field at Mile High.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, cornerback Trent McDuffie, linebacker Nick Bolton, running back Kareem Hunt, outside linebacker George Karlaftis, tight end Travis Kelce, safety Justin Reid and linebacker Drue Tranquill – who blocked the potential game-winning field goal in Week 10 – we have doubts about our ability to play against Denver.

Meanwhile, running back Isiah Pacheco, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, receiver Mecole Hardman and cornerback Jaylen Watson have been officially ruled out.

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Originally published: January 3, 2025 at 4:39 p.m. MST