There's a Strong Case for TJ Watt to Win Defensive Player of the Year

With just five weeks remaining in the NFL's regular season, it's time to start deliberating the favorites and contenders to take home the league's annual seasonal awards.

When it comes to the Defensive Player of the Year, several players are deserving of consideration, and stats prove that Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt should be included on that list.

Through 11 games, the Wisconsin product has logged 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 25 quarterback hits, all of which currently rank in the top-three or higher in the NFL. Watt has also been remarkably hot of late, recording at least a half-sack in eight straight games, good for the longest active streak in the league.

Stats don't lie, folks, and Watt's are nothing short of sensational.

For comparison, Aaron Donald took home the DPOY Award last season with a whopping 20.5 sacks, 25 tackles for a loss, 41 QB hits, and four forced fumbles.

We obviously don't expect Watt to come close to replicating those numbers, but he's not necessarily that far off, either. If he can keep up the pace to close out the year, he might just take home the hardware.

It's about time we start recognizing Watt as one of the league's most fearsome forces on the defensive side of the ball. He has simply outgrown the label of JJ's little brother.