2026 NFL Futures: Protector of the Year September Betting Odds & Best Bets

When it comes to unsung heroes in the world of sports, there aren’t many that do more for less recognition than offensive linemen in the NFL.

While they do get the Pro Bowls, All-Pros, and big contracts, they were never in consideration for an actual award. Until last year, when the inaugural Protector of the Year award was presented to veteran Bears guard Joe Thuney.

Who will take the second ever POY award in 2026? Read on for the latest NFL betting odds and best bets on the POY award futures betting market just in time for the start of the 2026 regular season!

2026 NFL Futures: Protector of the Year September Betting Odds & Picks

All betting odds provided by Betway.

Player (Team)	POY September Odds
Penei Sewell, T (DET)	+475
Tristan Wirfs, T (TB)	+900
Joe Alt, T (LAC)	+1,000
Garett Bolles, T (DEN)	+1,200
Lane Johnson, T (PHI)	+1,200
Creed Humphrey, C (KC)	+1,400
Trent Williams, T (SF)	+1,400
Quenton Nelson, G (IND)	+1,600
Quinn Meinerz, G (DEN)	+1,600
Jordan Mailata, T (PHI)	+1,800
Chris Lindstrom, G (ATL)	+2,000
Rashawn Slater, T (LAC)	+2,000
Kolton Miller, T (LAC)	+2,200
Tyler Linderbaum, C (LV)	+2,200
Andrew Thomas, T (NYG)	+2,500
Aaron Brewer, C (MIA)	+3,000
Christian Darrisaw, T (MIN)	+3,000
Dion Dawkins, T (BUF)	+3,000

Our Best Bet On the Board: Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs (+1,400)

Last year the favourite was Lions tackle Penei Sewell. And he’s atop the odds board again, along with four other tackles. But we’re not really sure why that’s the case. Tackles do get paid more than any other offensive linemen (and any other position bar QBs and edge rushers), but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be treated like QBs in the race for this award.

The panel last year put out six finalists, and the entire unit was well-represented with two guards, two tackles, and two centers. A guard won in the end, so the betting odds hype around tackles means they don’t offer much value. That’s why we opted for the first non-tackle on the board: Chiefs center Creed Humphrey.

The 2021 second-round pick is a machine. He was top three in OROY voting in his first year, which is impressive by itself. Since then, he’s been to four straight Pro Bowls. He was also named Second Team All-Pro in 2022, and First-Team in 2024 and 2025.

What’s most telling for us is that last year he was a POY finalist, First-Team All-Pro, and Pro Bowler despite the Chiefs going just 6-11. We think they’ll bounce back this year, and if they’re a winning team and Humphrey maintains his First-Team All-Pro level of play, he’s going to be hard to beat for this trophy.

Long Short Dart Throw: Dion Dawkins, T, Buffalo Bills (+3,000)

If you want to go really long, why not bet on the guy who basically created this award: Bills tackle Dion Dawkins. He was campaigning in 2024 for there to be an offensive lineman award and even made a pitch to commissioner Roger Goodell about it at the Super Bowl 59 watch party.

Obviously, he made an impression, as the award was introduced a few months later. Dawkins has been to five straight Pro Bowls but never gotten over the All-Pro hump. Perhaps he does that and more this year with a little help from his buddy Roger.