With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, it's time to look ahead at which newcomers are expected to ...

<p>With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, it's time to look ahead at which newcomers are expected to perform the best on their new teams and be in the running to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209906" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209906">Ashton Jeanty</a>, selected sixth overall by the Raiders, is the +275 favorite to earn the honor at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. The explosive tailback will immediately step into the starting role in Las Vegas, and head coach Pete Carroll has never shied away from relying heavily on a bell cow running back.</p><p>Jeanty has also received early love from bettors. He's amassed the most bets (17%) and handle (27%) of all OROY candidates. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Offensive Rookie of the Year odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player (Team)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ashton Jeanty (LV)</td>
<td>+275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Ward (TEN)</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tetairoa McMillan (CAR)</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter (JAX)</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders (CLE)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Omarion Hampton (LAC)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Shough (NO)</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Golden (GB)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaxson Dart (NYG)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TreVeyon Henderson (NE)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colston Loveland (CHI)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emeka Egbuka (TB)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinshon Judkins (CLE)</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Warren (IND)</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Milroe (SEA)</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luther Burden III (CHI)</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kaleb Johnson (PIT)</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RJ Harvey (DEN)</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dillon Gabriel (CLE)</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayden Higgins (HOU)</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mason Taylor (NYJ)</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Howard (PIT)</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Skattebo (NYG)</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinn Ewers (MIA)</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209905" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209905">Cam Ward</a> is the second favorite at +350. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a>' new quarterback opened as a co-favorite beside Jeanty, but the early action on the running back has created a slight separation at the top. Working in Ward's favor is the fact a running back hasn't won the OROY since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> in 2018. Four of the past six winners have been quarterbacks.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209929" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209929">Tetairoa McMillan</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209912" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209912">Travis Hunter</a> are the next two on the board. There might be hesitation to back Hunter, who's attracted only 2.5% of the handle thus far because of uncertainty about how the Jaguars will deploy him. If he spends the year splitting time on offense and defense, he becomes a lot less likely to accumulate the statistics required to win the offensive award. But if he's primarily used as a wide receiver, there's a good chance his +650 odds will look like a bargain come season's end.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210099" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210099">Shedeur Sanders</a> was the talk of the draft for a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257544" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257544">reason</a> he least expected. His freefall ended when the Browns took him with the 144th pick, behind another Browns quarterback pick, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209984">Dillon Gabriel</a>. Still, Sanders remains near the top of the OROY betting board at +1500. He's received very little betting interest (3% of the handle), though, and could see his odds lengthen as the season approaches.</p><p>Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210047" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210047">Tyler Shough</a> was a big mover up the oddsboard after he landed in New Orleans, a team without an answer at the position. Shough was +5000 when odds opened after Round 1, but after the Saints took him 40th overall, his odds shrank drastically. </p><p>Surprisingly, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210004" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210004">RJ Harvey</a> has accumulated the second most bets (14%) and handle (13%) of all rookies. He opened at +20000 after Round 1 but plummeted to +4000 once the Broncos selected him 60th overall. Harvey will have little competition for touches in the Denver backfield, and bettors might be looking back to what Broncos head coach Sean Peyton accomplished with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/78282" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/78282">Alvin Kamara</a>, the Saints running back who won the OROY in 2017.</p>

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Jeanty favored over Ward to win Offensive Rookie of the Year

To the surprise of many, Shedeur Sanders did not hear his name called during Thursday's first rou...

<p>To the surprise of many, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> did not hear his name called during Thursday's first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. </p><p>Sanders was the favorite to be the first player selected until <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> emerged as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a>' top choice. But the polarizing prospect wasn't even the second quarterback to be drafted, either, as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/18">Giants</a> traded back into the first round to select <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162552" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162552">Jaxson Dart</a>.</p><p>So who will end Sanders' slide?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a>, who have two of the first four picks in the second round, are the heavy -300 favorites to take Sanders at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. Cleveland has been linked to Sanders throughout the draft process, but that was mainly because it owned the second overall pick before trading down. The trade allowed the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> to select Sanders' college teammate and Heisman winner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a>, at No. 2.</p><p>Sanders is -145 (59.2% implied probability) to be the 33rd overall pick, currently owned by the Browns. </p><h3>Odds to draft Sanders</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (R2 Picks)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Browns (33 &amp; 36)</td>
<td>-300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raiders (37)</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saints (40)</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams (46)</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steelers (N/A)</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jets (42)</td>
<td>+1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cowboys (44)</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seahawks (50)</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49ers (43)</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/7">Raiders</a> are also in the running. They had the sixth pick in Round 1 but selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a>, who is widely considered the best running back prospect since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>. Las Vegas traded for Geno Smith in the offseason, so Sanders would likely sit on the sidelines for a couple of years if he were to end up in black and silver. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/30" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/30">Saints</a> passed on Sanders with the ninth pick Thursday, electing to go with offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. instead. New Orleans still has a need at quarterback, but Sanders may not fall to pick 40.</p><p>Pittsburgh was also a potential first-round landing spot for Sanders at 21st overall, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> took defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead of addressing their quarterback situation. They don't have a second-round pick, so they would likely need to trade up to pluck Sanders or hope he continues to fall until their next selection in Round 3 at pick No. 83.</p>

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What the odds say: Who will end Sanders' slide?

You couldn't have drawn up a worse start to the playoffs for the Edmonton Oilers, who head home d...

<p>You couldn't have drawn up a worse start to the playoffs for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/28">Edmonton Oilers</a>, who head home down two games after conceding 12 goals to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/23">Los Angeles Kings</a>. </p><p>The Oilers were slight -130 favorites to win their opening series against the Kings. However, after a slew of defensive lapses that led to two tough losses, the Oilers are now +360 at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet (21.7% implied probability) to advance. </p><p>"We've been hanging our goalie out to dry," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273899" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273899">said</a> after Game 2. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>'s 11 goals allowed (he was pulled before the Kings scored their 12th) is tied for the second most a goalie has allowed over two games in the past 30 seasons, according to the <a href="https://x.com/JoshDubowAP/status/1915264432093225048">AP's Josh Dubow</a>.</p><p>The Oilers were +900 to win the Stanley Cup and +550 to repeat as Western Conference representatives in the finals. Those odds have plummeted. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and Co. are now +2500 (3.8% implied probability) to hoist the Cup and +1500 to make it to the finals.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Kings have moved from +2000 to win it all to +900 and are -500 to advance to the second round. The Kings have lost to the Oilers in the first round in three straight seasons but are in line to finally get the monkey off their back.</p><p>Game 3 is Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET, and the Oilers are -130 favorites at home. </p>

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What are the Oilers' chances of making it out of Round 1?

We've discussed top-5 picks, where Ashton Jeanty will land, and which team will draft Shedeur San...

<p>We've discussed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3271944" href="https://thescore.com/news/3271944">top-5 picks</a>, where <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a> will <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272600" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272600">land</a>, and which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272026" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272026">team</a> will draft <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a>. It's time to look at the rest of the first round and discuss how Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft may unfold.</p><p>Before we get started, it's worth noting that draft odds can undergo massive swings with every mock draft released or with the latest rumor circulating around the NFL. These odds are unstable, making them fun to track and speculate on.</p><h3>Draft position O/U</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player (Position)</th>
<th>Over</th>
<th>Under</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders (QB)</td>
<td>O 21.5 (-175)</td>
<td>U 21.5 (+130)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaxson Dart (QB)</td>
<td>O 24.5 (-180)</td>
<td>U 24.5 (+135)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Asthon Jeanty (RB)</td>
<td>O 6.5 (+250)</td>
<td>U 6.5 (-400)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Omarion Hampton (RB)</td>
<td> O 19.5 (-300)</td>
<td>U 19.5 (+210)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tetairoa McMillan (WR)</td>
<td>O 12.5 (+135)</td>
<td>U 12.5 (-180)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Golden (WR)</td>
<td>O 17.5 (+115)</td>
<td>U 17.5 (-150)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emeka Egbuka (WR)</td>
<td> O 29.5 (+175)</td>
<td>U 29.5 (-250)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Warren (TE)</td>
<td>O 9.5 (-250)</td>
<td>U 9.5 (+175)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colston Loveland (TE)</td>
<td>O 14.5 (+190)</td>
<td>U 18.5 (-275)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mason Graham (DT)</td>
<td>O 5.5 (-350)</td>
<td>U 5.5 (+230)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Sanders may be the class' most interesting draft prospect because he could be picked second overall or in the second round. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a> were the favorites to select Sanders at +250 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet on Tuesday, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> are now the most likely landing spot at +175.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sanders should hear his name called on Thursday, with -600 odds of going in the first round. But the betting market doesn't believe it will be early since his draft position prop went from 8.5 with rumors that the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/30" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/30">Saints</a> were interested to 21.5 now that the Steelers, who pick 21st, are favored.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162552" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162552">Jaxson Dart</a> is another name who could hear his name called on Day 1, but he may have to wait a while. The quarterback out of Ole Miss has a draft position prop of 24.5, with the over having odds of -180. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> hold the 24th pick, and no team picking after them appears likely to draft a QB. If he goes in the first round, Dart will likely be selected by a franchise that's traded into a new draft slot.</p><h3>2nd QB drafted</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>-260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaxson Dart</td>
<td>+200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Milroe</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Shough</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Ward</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>All signs point toward the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a> drafting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> first overall, but the second quarterback selected is up in the air. Sanders is the favorite with Dart a close second. However, there are mixed feelings about all the signal-callers not named Ward, so don't be shocked to see some surprises on draft day. For instance, there's a <a href="https://x.com/ThePoniExpress/status/1915044791286698351">rumor</a> the Steelers have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162849">Jalen Milroe</a> second on their quarterback draft board and are trying to figure out a way to select the former Alabama passer.</p><h3>1st WR drafted</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tetairoa McMillan</td>
<td>-300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Golden</td>
<td>+175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emeka Egbuka</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luther Burden III</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>For the sake of this market, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a> isn't considered a wide receiver, making <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/173175" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/173175">Tetairoa McMillan</a> the favorite to be the first wideout selected. McMillan is projected to go in the middle of Round 1, with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a> a potential landing spot at No. 12. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172775" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172775">Matthew Golden</a> is expected to go shortly after but has a 36.4% implied probability of being taken ahead of McMillan.</p><h3>2nd RB drafted</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Omarion Hampton</td>
<td>-290</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TreVeyon Henderson</td>
<td>+200</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>With Jeanty a near lock to be the first running back selected, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/173141" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/173141">Omarion Hampton</a> is most likely to be called second. His draft position prop is set at 19.5, with the over having -300 odds. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> select 20th and are in desperate need of a running back. Many mock drafts have Hampton ending up in Denver.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Over</th>
<th>Under</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>QBs drafted in Round 1</td>
<td>O 2.5 (-135)</td>
<td> U 2.5 (+105)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RBs drafted in R1</td>
<td>O 2.5 (+190)</td>
<td>U 2.5 (-250)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WRs drafted in R1</td>
<td>O 2.5 (-280)</td>
<td>U 2.5 (+210)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total offensive players in R1</td>
<td>O 15.5 (-115)</td>
<td> U 15.5 (-115)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The betting market believes there will most likely be at least three quarterbacks selected in Round 1, at most two running backs, and at least three wide receivers. The odds suggest roughly half the first round will be made up of offensive players.</p><p>For comparison's sake, Round 1 last year saw six quarterbacks (all within the first 12 picks), zero running backs, seven wideouts, and 23 total offensive players taken. Multiple running backs have been picked in the first round just five times since 2015.</p><h3>Position of 'Mr. Irrelevant'</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DL/EDGE</td>
<td>+320</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OL</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>+475</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QB</td>
<td>+850</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TE</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>K/P</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Lastly, and fittingly, the position of "Mr. Irrelevant" (the player selected with the last pick) is most likely to be a defensive lineman, but the odds are spread out across the board.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a> is the most successful "Mr. Irrelevant" after going 262nd overall to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a> in 2022.</p>

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NFL draft betting: Positional props for Round 1

The top three picks of the 2025 NFL Draft appear to be near certainties after analyzing the odds ...

<p>The top three picks of the 2025 NFL Draft appear to be near certainties after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3271944" href="https://thescore.com/news/3271944">analyzing the odds</a> Monday, but one of the biggest questions heading into draft day remains.</p><p>Which team will draft Ashton Jeanty?</p><p>Jeanty is by all accounts one of the best running back prospects of the last decade, drawing pre-draft comparisons to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>. However, only 14 running backs have been selected in the first round since 2015, and only six of those were picked in the top 10.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The value of running backs has deteriorated over the years. Teams are more focused on spending draft capital at positions with far less injury risk. Quarterbacks, offensive and defensive linemen, wide receivers, and cornerbacks are all considered much more important positions.</p><p>But Jeanty could instantly be one of the best running backs in the league as a rookie, and passing up on that type of talent early in the first round can be difficult for some franchises. </p><p>The betting odds suggest Jeanty will become the seventh running back drafted in the top 10 since 2015. His draft position over/under is set at 6.5, with the under having -400 odds (80% implied probability). </p><h3>Odds to draft Jeanty</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Current R1 Pick)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Raiders (6)</td>
<td>-125</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaguars (5)</td>
<td>+140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bears (10)</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patriots (4)</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saints (9)</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broncos (20)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Falcons (15)</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cowboys (12)</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Panthers (8)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jets (7)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/7">Raiders</a> hold the sixth pick and are the -125 favorites to take Jeanty at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. The betting market believes he'll end up in Las Vegas, and it makes sense. The franchise is in a transitional stage after bringing in Pete Carroll and trading for former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, and it has a solid defense. Adding an explosive offensive weapon could be the boost the Raiders need.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> are the second favorites at +140 and are slotted to pick fifth Thursday, but they have holes all over their roster that need filling before tackling the running back position.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> are an interesting option at +350. Chicago holds the 10th pick but is an ideal landing spot for the former Boise State back. The Bears' new head coach, Ben Johnson, turned the Lions' offense into a juggernaut over the past few seasons. Adding Jeanty to a young offense run by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> and featuring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199761" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199761">Rome Odunze</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97110" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97110">D.J. Moore</a> would be dangerous.</p><p>Some longshot options could take Jeanty early or trade up to get in front of the Raiders and draft the class' top running back. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/3">Patriots</a> hold the fourth pick and are expected to take offensive tackle Will Campbell, but they could pivot to Jeanty or trade back to a team eager to draft him.</p><p>There have been rumblings that the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> are interested in trading up in the first round, likely to land an offensive skill position player. Jeanty would make a lot of sense and is a talent some teams might view as trade-up-worthy.</p><p>Jeanty's landing spot is one of the most intriguing in the entire draft, especially for fantasy football players. It's rare for there to be so much uncertainty around one of the draft class's best players. Whoever selects Jeanty will be getting an elite talent.</p>

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What the odds say: Raiders favorites to draft Jeanty

The Titans are on the clock with the NFL draft beginning Thursday.  The 2025 class may not be as ...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a> are on the clock with the NFL draft beginning Thursday.</p><p>The 2025 class may not be as quarterback-heavy as last year's, when six were selected in the first 12 picks, but it doesn't lack storylines. </p><p>Let's examine how the top-five picks may go and focus on some other key players who could hear their names called inside the top 10.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>No. 1 pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cam Ward</td>
<td>-20000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Abdul Carter</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>+7000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> is as close as a sure thing as possible to hear his name called first by commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday. The former University of Miami quarterback is -20000 (99.5% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet to end up in Tennessee.</p><p>Ward wasn't as highly touted as the top three quarterbacks from last year (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye), but he's the best signal-caller in the class. The Titans can't pass up the opportunity to add a potential franchise QB. This would also end Tennessee's Will Levis experiment.</p><h3>No. 2 pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td>-1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Abdul Carter</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Ward</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>With Ward off the board, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a> is the heavy favorite to be selected second overall by the Browns. Browns general manager Andrew Berry called him a "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269477" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269477">unicorn</a>" when discussing how they'd deploy the two-way player's skills.</p><p>There were rumblings earlier in the offseason that edge rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171484" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171484">Abdul Carter</a> would be the Browns' pick, but that was before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87669" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87669">Myles Garrett</a> rescinded his trade request and signed a four-year extension with Cleveland.</p><p>Unless something shocking happens, like a team trading up to select a quarterback ahead of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/18">Giants</a>, expect Hunter to be a Brown.</p><h3>No. 3 pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Abdul Carter</td>
<td>-700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashton Jeanty</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaxon Dart</td>
<td>+8000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Giants have needed a quarterback since Eli Manning retired, but their signing of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a> suggests they're not planning to use the third pick on the sport's most important position. Carter is the likely selection at No. 3, with -700 odds implying a probability of 87.5%.</p><p>There's always a chance New York takes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a>, but the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback's draft stock seems to be trending in the wrong direction as draft day approaches.</p><p>If you parlayed the top three picks in order - Ward, Hunter, and Carter - the odds are -434, which implies a probability of 81.3% that'll be the exact order.</p><h3>No. 4 pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Will Campbell</td>
<td>-1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Abdul Carter</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashton Jeanty</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Armand Membou</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalon Walker</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mason Graham</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>You can make the case that this is where the draft may get interesting. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/3">Patriots</a> will sprint to the podium if either Hunter or Carter falls to them. Otherwise, New England can either play it safe by selecting Will Campbell to protect Maye's blindside or make a splash with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a>.</p><p>Jeanty is +1200, so it's a bit of a long shot. However, he's been compared to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, and teams may be interested in trading up past the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> at No. 5 and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/7">Raiders</a> at No. 6 to land Jeanty.</p><p>The explosive back's draft position line is set at 6.5, with the under having -190 odds. It's not crazy to think Jeanty could end up a Patriot, or on a team that wants to keep him away from the Raiders.</p><h3>No. 5 pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mason Graham</td>
<td>-145</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashton Jeanty</td>
<td>+250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Armand Membou</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalon Walker</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Campbell</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tetairoa McMillan</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Warren</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Johnson</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Jaguars are most likely to select defensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172118" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172118">Mason Graham</a> out of Michigan, but they could go in a handful of directions.</p><p>Jeanty could also end up in Jacksonville, but the Jags need help all over the field. New GM James Gladstone may be looking to fill those holes rather than focusing on a position that can be addressed later in the draft.</p><p>Tackle Armand Membou out of Missouri and linebacker Jalon Walker out of Georgia are also options. </p><h3>Odds to be a top-10 pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ashton Jeanty</td>
<td>-1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalon Walker</td>
<td>-700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Armand Membou</td>
<td>-600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>-250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Warren</td>
<td>-150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelvin Banks Jr.</td>
<td>+190</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tetairoa McMillan</td>
<td>+200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Johnson</td>
<td>+210</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mykel Williams</td>
<td>+260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colston Loveland</td>
<td>+300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaxson Dart</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shemar Stewart</td>
<td>+490</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jahdae Barron</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Jeanty has a 92.3% implied probability of being selected in the top 10, but where he goes is still up in the air. It'll likely come down to the Raiders (-145), Jaguars (+180), or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> (+250), who pick 10.</p><p>Sanders should go in the top 10, with the Saints at No. 9 the most likely team to pick him at +220. The Steelers, still without an answer at quarterback, are the second-most likely team at +360, but they have the 21st pick. Sanders could be the player who falls the furthest down the draft board on Day 1.</p>

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NFL draft odds: Are the top 3 picks already locked in?

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday, although the complete schedule hasn't been released...

<p>The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday, although the complete schedule hasn't been released yet.</p><p>The Battle of Ontario headlines the opening-round matchups, as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/5">Maple Leafs</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/4">Senators</a> meet for the first time since 2004. The Leafs secured their first division title in a non-COVID campaign since the 1999-2000 season, setting up a clash with their provincial rival.</p><p>Let's look at Stanley Cup odds before getting into the matchups. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Cup Odds</th>
<th>Conf. Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Panthers</td>
<td>+700</td>
<td>+325</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avalanche</td>
<td>+700</td>
<td>+375</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
<td>+800</td>
<td>+325</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stars</td>
<td>+800</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
<td>+800</td>
<td>+375</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oilers</td>
<td>+900</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lightning</td>
<td>+1000</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capitals</td>
<td>+1000</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jets</td>
<td>+1000</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
<td>+1200</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kings</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Senators</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blues</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wild</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devils</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canadiens</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/27">Avalanche</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/13">Panthers</a> are co-favorites to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/12">Hurricanes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/22">Stars</a> trailing closely behind. One of those Western Conference powerhouses will head home early because they meet in the first round.</p><p>Despite earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals are +1000 and the third favorite to represent the East in the finals. The other division winners, the Leafs, are also down the board at +1200. Oddsmakers consider the Hurricanes and Panthers the class of the East, even though they're fourth and fifth in the conference standings, respectively.</p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><p><strong>Maple Leafs (-175) vs. Senators (+140)</strong></p><p>The Leafs are decent-sized favorites to oust the Sens in the first round with -175 odds implying a probability of 63.6%. Toronto has advanced to the second round of the playoffs once since 2004. The Senators swept the season series 3-0.</p><p><strong>Panthers (-115) vs. Lightning (-105)</strong></p><p>It's a battle of Florida with the reigning Stanley Cup champs taking on the Lightning. Tampa Bay has home-ice advantage, but the Panthers are still slight favorites. This should be a tightly contested series, and the odds reflect that. The series going at least six games is -190 (65.5% implied probability) and +200 (33.3% implied probability) to go to a seventh game.</p><p><strong>Hurricanes (-280) vs. Devils (+230)</strong></p><p>The Hurricanes are the heaviest favorite of all the first-round matchups at -280 (73.7% implied probability) to move past the Devils. According to oddsmakers, Carolina is one of the best teams in the East, while New Jersey is one of the worst. They split the season series 2-2, but the Devils are without their best player, Jack Hughes, for the postseason.</p><p><strong>Capitals (-270) vs. Canadiens (+220)</strong></p><p>The Canadiens clinched their playoff spot Wednesday, setting up a first-round matchup with the Capitals, the East's No. 1 seed. Washington won the season series 2-1 and should handle Montreal in the first round. The Capitals are -135 (57.4% implied probability) to win this series by at least 1.5 games (4-0, 4-1, 4-2)</p><h3>Western Conference </h3><p><strong>Avalanche (-165) vs. Stars (+140)</strong></p><p>The odds for this series were a lot more even before Jason Robertson was injured in the Stars' regular-season finale. The Avalanche were -120 but are now -165 as a result of the Robertson news. The Stars have home-ice advantage but are still underdogs after going 1-1-1 against Colorado during the regular season. Expect this series to go at least six games; a Game 7 would be appointment viewing.</p><p><strong>Jets (-215) vs. Blues (+180)</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/11">Jets</a> and their NHL-best regular-season record take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/20">Blues</a> in Round 1. Winnipeg is a substantial favorite at -200 (66.7%) and beat the Blues 3-1 in the season series. The Jets have failed to advance out of the first round the last two years, but Connor Hellebuyck is playing at an MVP-caliber level. </p><p><strong>Golden Knights (-250) vs. Wild (+210)</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/102" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/102">Golden Knights</a> edged out the Kings for the Pacific Division, earning a matchup against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/29">Wild</a> instead of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/28">Oilers</a>. Vegas lost in Game 7 against the Stars last year in its Stanley Cup defense, and oddsmakers appear convinced the team could make another deep run. The Golden Knights have the shortest odds alongside the Stars to represent the West in the Stanley Cup Final.</p><p><strong>Oilers (-130) vs. Kings (+110)</strong></p><p>The Oilers limp into the playoffs and draw a tough opening-round series against the Kings. Although <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and Co. are favorites to advance, they'll have to win at least one game in Los Angeles. Edmonton has beaten L.A. in three straight opening rounds, but the Kings went 3-1 in the regular-season series and could be poised to pull off the upset.</p>

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NHL playoffs betting: Stanley Cup, 1st-round series odds

Turning the page so soon after one of the most memorable tournaments we'll ever witness isn't eas...

<p>Turning the page so soon after one of the most memorable tournaments we'll ever witness isn't easy, but the PGA TOUR rolls on with the RBC Heritage from Harbour Town Golf Links.</p><p>The signature event (don't get me started on signature events directly following major championships on the schedule) will feature 72 of the PGA TOUR's best players, minus Rory McIlroy, who's taking a much-deserved week off after claiming the green jacket.</p><h3>The course</h3><ul>
<li>7,213 yards, par 71</li>
<li>Poa trivialis overseeded greens</li>
<li>Requires accuracy over distance off the tee</li>
<li>Small greens reward pinpoint iron play</li>
<li>Seven par 4s under 440 yards</li>
</ul><h3>Past winners</h3><p>2024: Scottie Scheffler (-19) over Sahith Theegala<br>2023: Matt Fitzpatrick (-17) in a playoff over Jordan Spieth<br>2022: Jordan Spieth (-13) in a playoff over Patrick Cantlay<br>2021: Stewart Cink (-19) over Emiliano Grillo, Harold Varner III<br>2020: Webb Simpson (-22) over Abraham Ancer<br>2019: C.T. Pan (-12) over Matt Kuchar<br>2018: Satoshi Kodaira (-12) in a playoff over Si Woo Kim<br>2017: Wesley Bryan (-13) over Luke Donald<br>2016: Branden Grace (-9) over Luke Donald, Russell Knox</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>The favorites</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+425</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> is the defending champion and the heavy favorite at +425. He didn't have his best stuff at the Masters but still finished fourth. However, Scheffler lost strokes off the tee and wasn't overly sharp with his irons, making him tough to trust at such a short number.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> are next up after each finished inside the top 15 at Augusta. Morikawa's been playing the best out of this trio, but all three should give Scheffler a run for his money.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1451" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1451">Patrick Cantlay</a> gets a huge bump in odds this week because of an impeccable history at Harbour Town. In seven career starts, he's finished inside the top three on five occasions. </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Day</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Rai</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sepp Straka</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sungaje Im</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Berger</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Denny McCarthy</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wyndham Clark</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Picks</h3><p><strong>Collin Morikawa: To win (+1000)</strong></p><p>Rarely do we go to the top of the board, but Morikawa feels primed to finally break through this week. His last victory came in October 2023, but he's trending toward another. Morikawa has yet to finish outside the top 20 this season while only competing in top-tier events, averaging 7.73 strokes gained: tee-to-green per tournament. He's earned two top-10 results in five appearances at the RBC Heritage, including a T9 last year despite losing three strokes on approach shots.</p><p><strong>Daniel Berger: To win (+4500), top-20 finish (+125)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1917" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1917">Berger</a> is also in great form, coming off a T21 at Augusta for his seventh straight top-30 result. He gained strokes off the tee and on approach shots at the Masters and has gained strokes putting in seven consecutive tournaments. Berger has played Harbour Town five times, including a T3 in 2020. He also recorded a T21 last year when he gained 6.6 strokes on approach shots.</p><p><strong>Harris English: To win (+8000)</strong></p><p>This is a big number for a player who already has a win this season and is playing great golf. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1643" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1643">English</a> gained 5.1 strokes on approach shots last week at the Masters, lifting him to a T12 result. His final-round 68 was the second-lowest score posted. English has back-to-back top-20 showings in the lead-up to Harbour Town, a venue he's competed at 10 times in his career. His best result came in 2012 with a T8.</p><p><strong>Russell Henley: Top-20 finish (-130)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1700" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1700">Henley</a> surprisingly missed the cut at the Masters, but a weekend off to rest may have been good. Harbour Town suits his accuracy-first style perfectly, as evidenced by his three top-20 results at the event in his last four appearances. Henley has been playing some of the best golf of anyone in the field, and there's no reason to be worried about his missed cut at Augusta - a course where shorter hitters can struggle.</p><p><strong>Corey Conners: Top-20 finish (-125)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1907" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1907">Conners</a> hasn't let Masters hangovers ruin his performance at the RBC Heritage. The last two times he finished inside the top 10 at Augusta, he followed up with a top-15 result at Harbour Town. Conners gained strokes in all four stat categories during his T8 last week, including 5.4 on approach shots. The Canadian has finished inside the top 20 in five straight tournaments - what's one more?</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30977479/related

RBC Heritage betting preview: Can Morikawa break out of winless slump?

We may never experience a day of golf like that ever again.   It may be depressing, but it's true...

<p>We may never experience a day of golf like that ever again. </p><p>It may be depressing, but it's true. The chances of a future major championship trumping <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>'s Masters victory are slim.</p><p>The final day of the 2025 Masters had everything, from the world's best players hitting jaw-dropping shots - both good and bad - on the game's biggest stage, to the numerous lead changes, near collapses, and even a playoff finish.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Focusing only on the golf, Sunday can easily be considered one of the best days at Augusta National in years. McIlroy and an exceptional supporting cast played out a script so unpredictable that if you looked away for more than a few minutes, you likely missed something big. </p><p>The day started with a gripping duel between McIlroy and his newest rival, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a>, who bested McIlroy in their first clash at the 2024 U.S. Open. </p><p>Those early lead changes set the tone for what would unfold. After DeChambeau fell off the pace, McIlroy was left alone at the top and, at one point, had a four-shot lead and was heading toward a runaway victory.</p><p>But that's when McIlroy's stiffest competition - himself - took over.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780597/cropped_GettyImages-2210116629.jpg?ts=1744661123" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780597/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210116629.jpg?ts=1744661123 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780597/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210116629.jpg?ts=1744661123 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780597/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210116629.jpg?ts=1744661123 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780597/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210116629.jpg?ts=1744661123 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780597/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210116629.jpg?ts=1744661123 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 13th hole was the turning point. Instead of keeping his foot on the gas, McIlroy's strategy changed to protect his lead. During an effort to play it safe, he hit possibly the worst shot of his career, given the circumstances - a routine wedge from 86 yards that ended up in Rae's Creek instead of landing the ball safely on the green with the roughly 20 yards of room he had left of the pin.</p><p>The mistake led to his fourth double-bogey of the tournament, which he followed up with another dropped shot on the 14th, all while his European Ryder Cup teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a> couldn't stop making birdies.</p><p>With his lead gone, McIlroy proceeded to hit the best shot of his career into the 15th green - one Jim Nantz called "the shot of a lifetime" - to regain his position atop the leaderboard. </p><p>His birdie on 17 and a bogey on 18 put McIlroy into a playoff, the first at the Masters since 2017. His one-hole showdown with Rose was the final act of an unforgettable day at Augusta.</p><p>When the Northern Irishman fell to his knees and looked to the sky after his winning putt hit the bottom of the cup, you could see the weight of the world lift off his shoulders. His decade-long major championship drought was over, and the demons he faced at Augusta were vanquished. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780598/cropped_GettyImages-2209624201.jpg?ts=1744661200" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780598/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209624201.jpg?ts=1744661200 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780598/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209624201.jpg?ts=1744661200 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780598/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209624201.jpg?ts=1744661200 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780598/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209624201.jpg?ts=1744661200 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780598/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209624201.jpg?ts=1744661200 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Augusta National / Masters Historic Imagery / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There have been incredible - borderline unbelievable - achievements in recent years that are perhaps bigger than McIlroy's feat. Tiger Woods' 2019 Masters victory is an obvious one, as is Phil Mickelson's win at the 2021 PGA Championship to become the oldest major champion ever. </p><p>But those are in the past, and it's hard to envision a storyline in the future that can come close to what we witnessed Sunday. The pressure, expectations, and heartbreak that littered the long road McIlroy navigated to become only the sixth player to accomplish the career grand slam cannot be replicated by anyone else currently in the sport.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/55" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/55">Jordan Spieth</a> is the closest to completing the career grand slam, only needing the PGA Championship to join the club. But as remarkable as Spieth's run was from 2015 to 2017, he's not McIlroy. Spieth wasn't the child prodigy that McIlroy was, nor has he dealt with the lofty expectations that come with being heralded as Tiger's heir.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1461" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Koepka</a> have two of the four major titles, but their standing in the game, in terms of popularity, accomplishments, and longevity, doesn't come close to McIlroy's. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> and DeChambeau will likely add more major trophies to their mantles, but still have a long way to go to collect all four.</p><p>And even if any of the players mentioned join golf's most elite club, they probably won't do it in the same dramatic fashion McIlroy did.</p><p>The only scenarios that could top McIlroy's feat seem unlikely. </p><p>One would be if Mickelson can win the U.S. Open. It's a long shot, since Mickelson turns 55 this year and hasn't recorded a top-25 finish at the U.S. Open since 2013. Another would be if Tiger can somehow come back from injuries and win a 16th major title. But Woods turns 50 this year and is recovering from a torn Achilles. Father Time will likely prevent both of these scenarios from happening.</p><p>Another - and perhaps the least likely - would be if someone wins the grand slam. Tiger is the only player to hold all four majors simultaneously, but it would certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime moment if someone won all four majors in the same year.</p><p>There's always a chance the next prodigy that comes around lives up to the hype, racks up major championships at an unprecedented clip, and climbs toward the top of the all-time majors list. But all that feels nearly impossible, which is why McIlroy's Sunday at Augusta was so special.</p><p>In 50 years, we'll probably still be reminiscing about that crazy April afternoon when McIlroy finally earned himself a green jacket, cementing his legacy alongside golf's all-time greats, remembering it as the last great day of golf.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30969607/related

Masters Sunday: A day so great, we may never experience one like it again

Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore updates you with insights and analysis from Round 4 of ...

<p><em>Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore updates you with insights and analysis from Round 4 of the Masters.</em></p><p>It's not an exaggeration to say that may have been the most dramatic Masters ever. </p><p>Rory McIlroy took us on a wild ride Sunday at Augusta National, capped by a playoff victory over Justin Rose to claim the career grand slam. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Below was our running analysis and updates throughout the final round. (All times ET.)</p><p><strong>7:15 p.m.</strong> - Rory McIlroy does it! He becomes only the sixth player to win the career grand slam, joining Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen. What an incredible major championship. </p><p><strong>7:10 p.m. </strong>- Both players hit the green with their approach shots, but McIlroy's rolls back down the slope and settles in tight. Rose will need to repeat the 18th-hole magic that got him into the playoff. </p><p><strong>6:53 p.m.</strong> - We have a playoff. McIlroy misses a 5-footer on the last, dropping back to 11-under with Justin Rose. This is the first playoff at the Masters since Rose lost to Sergio Garcia in 2017. </p><p><strong>6:46 p.m.</strong> - His approach finds the greenside bunker. Another poor wedge shot from inside 125 yards. </p><p><strong>6:40 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy splits the fairway on 18. One more solid swing and two putts to claim the career grand slam.</p><p><strong>6:35 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy takes a one-shot lead to the 18th. The final hole at Augusta is playing 0.17 strokes over par. It's given up eight bogeys and two double-bogeys or worse so far today.</p><p><strong>6:30 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy stuffs his approach into No. 17 to two feet. He's now the heavy favorite with a likely birdie coming.</p><p><strong>6:18 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy heads to the 17th tee tied for the lead at 11-under with Justin Rose, facing two holes playing over par for the day to close out his round. </p><p><strong>6:15 p.m.</strong> - This is golf at its finest. Justin Rose drains a lengthy birdie putt on No. 18 to get into the clubhouse at 11-under. Rory McIlroy has to play the remaining three holes under par to avoid a playoff. He has a 9-footer for birdie on No. 16. </p><p><strong>6:10 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy fails to convert the eagle, but heads to the 16th tee with a one-shot lead. He's the -300 favorite with Justin Rose at +400 and Ludvig Aberg at +550. McIlroy has to make five more solid swings to win this. </p><p><strong>6:03 p.m.</strong> - "The shot of a lifetime!" says Jim Nantz after McIlroy bends a monstrous approach around the trees, landing on the 15th green and rolling to six feet. He will have an eagle putt left to give him a two-shot lead. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poised to make eagle. Rory McIlroy goes for glory on No. 15. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/hAM0zxnkM7">pic.twitter.com/hAM0zxnkM7</a></p>— The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/1911540967586377879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>5:55 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Justin Rose (all at 10-under), and even Scottie Scheffler (-8) have a shot at winning this. McIlroy, the betting favorite at -150, has 208 remaining on the par-5 15th but may have to deal with a tree. Get to a TV as soon as possible. </p><p><strong>5:52 p.m.</strong> - Justin Rose is the solo leader of the Masters. McIlroy bogeys No. 14 as his collapse continues. However, McIlroy remains the betting favorite at -120 because he still has a par 5 to play. </p><p><strong>5:45 p.m.</strong> - Somehow it's tied! McIlroy makes a double-bogey on the par-5 13th while Justin Rose birdies No. 16. McIlroy remains the -200 favorite but this tournament is far from over. </p><p><strong>5:35 p.m.</strong> - What just happened? McIlroy dumps his third shot into the water at the par-5 13th, an inexcusable error at this stage of the tournament. He goes from -2000 to -300 to win, a 20% swing in implied probability. </p><p><strong>5:15 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy safely lands on the 12th green following a bogey on No. 11. His lead is four over Justin Rose. It will have to take a complete collapse for McIlroy not to win at this point. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780398/cropped_GettyImages-2209569165.jpg?ts=1744575799" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780398/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209569165.jpg?ts=1744575799 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780398/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209569165.jpg?ts=1744575799 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780398/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209569165.jpg?ts=1744575799 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780398/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209569165.jpg?ts=1744575799 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780398/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209569165.jpg?ts=1744575799 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Cannon / David Cannon Collection / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>5:10 p.m.</strong> - DeChambeau's struggling iron play has let him down again. He pulls another approach shot left, this time putting it into the water on No. 11. His round is starting to spiral while McIlroy looks in control leading by five.</p><p><strong>4:55 p.m.</strong> - Another one! McIlroy cans another birdie on 10 to get to 14-under. His lead remains four over Justin Rose. McIlroy's live odds are -1200, an implied probability of 92.3%. </p><p><strong>4:40 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy makes the turn with a four-shot lead after birdieing No. 9. His odds of winning are now -475, an implied probability of 82.6%. DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, and Justin Rose share second.</p><p><strong>4:35 p.m. </strong>- Aberg birdies No. 10 to get within three of the lead. He's down to +900 on the oddsboard. Rose pours in his second-straight birdie on No. 12 to also get to 9-under par. The chasers are coming!</p><p><strong>4:30 p.m.</strong> - Xander Schauffele, who's hitting his irons among the best in the field, hit his tee shot on No. 12 roughly 20 yards short and into Rae's Creek. Something to keep in mind as the leaders make the turn.</p><p><strong>4:10 p.m.</strong> - Another pair of pars gives McIlroy a three-shot lead into the par-5 eighth. McIlroy bogeyed No. 8 on Saturday, and DeChambeau has birdied it in back-to-back rounds. </p><p><strong>4:05 p.m. </strong>- Oh my goodness! After an errant drive on No. 7, McIlroy hoists his approach up and over the trees and lands it within feet of the cup. His miraculous recovery shot moves his live odds from -260 to -430. </p><p><strong>3:55 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy (-12) and DeChambeau (-9) exchange pars through Nos. 5 and 6. DeChambeau hit his best iron shot of the day on No. 6, which could be a big boost for the remainder of the round. Ludvig Aberg (-8), Scottie Scheffler (-7), Corey Conners (-7), and Justin Rose (-7) are lingering. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780399/cropped_GettyImages-2210106275.jpg?ts=1744575874" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780399/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210106275.jpg?ts=1744575874 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780399/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210106275.jpg?ts=1744575874 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780399/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210106275.jpg?ts=1744575874 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780399/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210106275.jpg?ts=1744575874 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780399/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210106275.jpg?ts=1744575874 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>3:35 p.m.</strong> - DeChambeau's inaccurate tee shot costs him, as he drops another stroke. Meanwhile, McIlroy rolls in another birdie for the third two-shot swing in four holes. McIlroy leads by three and is a -200 favorite again. </p><p><strong>3:25 p.m. </strong>- DeChambeau has hit three full iron shots today, and they have all been hooked. His approach into No. 2 was long and left, his tee shot on No. 3 was left of his target, and his shot into the par-3 fourth missed long and left.</p><p><strong>3:15 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy and DeChambeau are exchanging blows. McIlroy rolls in a slippery 9-footer for birdie while DeChambeau three-putts to trail by one. McIlroy becomes the betting favorite at -150. </p><p><strong>3:10 p.m.</strong> - As expected, DeChambeau hits iron on the short par-4 third but fails to give himself a good angle into the tricky green. McIlroy hits driver but leaves himself with a tough pitch up the hill. He will have to hit a perfect pitch in order to keep it on the green. </p><p><strong>3:05 p.m.</strong> - DeChambeau takes the lead with a birdie on No. 2, while McIlroy makes par. McIlroy hit his drive into the fairway bunker and was forced to lay up on the par 5. DeChambeau becomes the odds-on favorite at -130.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780389/cropped_GettyImages-2210096816.jpg?ts=1744573948" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780389/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210096816.jpg?ts=1744573948 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780389/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210096816.jpg?ts=1744573948 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780389/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210096816.jpg?ts=1744573948 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780389/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210096816.jpg?ts=1744573948 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780389/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210096816.jpg?ts=1744573948 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2:50 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy goes from the -200 favorite to +110 after one hole. </p><p><strong>2:45 p.m.</strong> - It's a disastrous start for McIlroy, who doubles the opening hole to instantly give up his lead. DeChambeau makes a 7-footer for par to head to the second with a share of the lead. </p><p><strong>2:35 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy's drive comes up 1 yard short and catches the lip of the fairway bunker. DeChambeau elects to hit 3-wood off the tee and hooks it into the left trees. A shaky start from the two leaders.</p><p><strong>2:25 p.m.</strong> - Ludvig Aberg birdies his first hole, gaining a stroke on the field. He's one of the few chasers with the firepower to track down the leaders. He has to birdie the par-5 second to give himself a chance.</p><p><strong>2:10 p.m. </strong>- Here's what we're looking for early from the contenders.</p><p>McIlroy: His opening drive will be extremely telling. Yesterday, he smoked one 331 yards over the fairway bunker, which led to a birdie. It will be huge for his confidence if he uncorks a similar drive. But it could be a shaky start if he's hitting his driver offline early. </p><p>DeChambeau: He ranked 47th in strokes gained: approach heading into the final round. His approach shot into No. 1 will be revealing and will let us know if he's dialled in with his irons or if he'll need another day of short-game wizardry to keep him in the fight.</p><p>Corey Conners: Not only does the Canadian need both McIlroy and DeChambeau to struggle, but Conners has to make birdies early. If he can get to 2-under through three holes, that could get the final pairing's attention. He'll likely need a round of 66 to have a chance.</p><p><strong>1:30 p.m.</strong> - Hideki Matsuyama is letting everyone know a score in the mid-60s is available. The 2021 champion is 7-under through 17 and only birdied two of the par-5s.</p><p><strong>12:20 p.m.</strong> - Roughly half the field that made the cut is on the course, providing some insight into how Augusta National is playing for the final round.</p><ul>
<li>No. 1 is playing at level par, conceding three birdies and three bogeys to the 27 players who've already teed off. A birdie here would pick up an important shot on the field, and there's some potential for a two-shot swing.</li>
<li>No. 3 is playing over par after playing under par each of the first three rounds. The pin location is extremely tricky, positioned on the right side of the green in a very narrow section. DeChambeau laid back off the tee when the pin was in a similar location Friday. It will be interesting to see if his strategy changes while trailing McIlroy.</li>
<li>Low scores are available. Brian Campbell is 5-under and Hideki Matsuyama is 4-under through 13 and 11 holes, respectively.</li>
</ul>

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Masters forecaddie: Running analysis of Round 4 at Augusta National

Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore updates you with insights and analysis from Round 3 of ...

<p><em>Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore updates you with insights and analysis from Round 3 of the Masters.</em></p><p>Moving day at Augusta was nothing short of incredible. From start to finish, fireworks were all over the course. Golf fans are in for a treat if Sunday's final round is half as good as Saturday's.</p><p>Below was our running analysis and updates throughout the third round. (All times ET.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>7:15 p.m. </strong>- Here's where we stand after Round 3:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Leaderboard</th>
<th>Odds to win</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Rory McIlroy (-12)</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy (-200)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Bryson DeChambeau (-10)</td>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau (+180)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Corey Conners (-8)</td>
<td>Corey Conners (+1800)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T4. Patrick Reed (-6)</td>
<td> Ludvig Aberg (+4000)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T4. Ludvig Aberg (-6)</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler (+5000)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Here's what we saw out of each of the contenders.</p><p>Rory McIlroy: It's crazy to say McIlroy left shots out there, but his 66 should have been more like a 64. He opened with six consecutive threes (a Masters record) but bogeyed the par-5 8th, missed a short birdie effort on No. 9, and 3-putted No. 10. Still, McIlroy holds a two-shot edge after 54 holes. He's four of five in converting 54-hole leads in major championships.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780294/cropped_GettyImages-2209966549.jpg?ts=1744500052" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780294/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209966549.jpg?ts=1744500052 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780294/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209966549.jpg?ts=1744500052 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780294/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209966549.jpg?ts=1744500052 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780294/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209966549.jpg?ts=1744500052 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780294/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209966549.jpg?ts=1744500052 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Heathcote / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bryson DeChambeau: He didn't have his best stuff today, but his short game and putting kept his hopes alive. DeChambeau lost 1.79 strokes on approach shots but gained 1.32 around the green and 1.23 with his putter. His lengthy birdie putt on No. 18 was huge for his chances, moving his odds from +330 (23.3% implied probability) to +180 (35.7% implied probability)</p><p>Justin Rose: The 36-hole leader posted a 3-over 75 in the final pairing. His putter cooled off, and his tee-to-green game remained inconsistent. It was a good run for the 44-year-old, but his chance at the green jacket is all but over. </p><p>Scottie Scheffler: It was another mundane round for the reigning Masters champion. He shot even par Saturday with only two birdies. He's seven shots behind McIlroy and extremely unlikely to win back-to-back green jackets. </p><p>Corey Conners: The Canadian had a front-row seat to McIlroy's round, but could not get much momentum going. His 2-under day was solid, but failing to birdie either of the two par 5s on the back nine will likely keep him out of the running.</p><p><strong>7:00 p.m.</strong> - Bang! Bryson DeChambeau drains a 48-footer on the final hole for birdie, cutting into Rory McIlroy's lead and capping an incredible day at Augusta. The reigning U.S. Open champ will trail McIlroy by two going into the final round, which will be must-watch TV.</p><p><strong>6:50 p.m.</strong> - Rory McIlroy posts another sensational 66 around Augusta National to sit at 12-under. It marks the first 54-hole lead he's held in a major since 2014. He's also the -330 betting favorite, an implied probability of 76.7%. </p><p><strong>6:45 p.m.</strong> - DeChambeau heads to the last hole three back of McIlroy. The two are destined to be paired together in tomorrow's final pairing - a rematch of the 2024 U.S. Open.</p><p><strong>6:05 p.m.</strong> - Rory does it again! He extends his lead to four shots over Corey Conners after converting an eagle putt set up by a majestic approach from 205 yards on the par-5 15th. McIlroy is 6-under today, which would tie the lowest round of the day. He's now eagled three of the past six par 5s he's played.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780295/cropped_GettyImages-2209940585.jpg?ts=1744500148" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780295/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209940585.jpg?ts=1744500148 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780295/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209940585.jpg?ts=1744500148 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780295/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209940585.jpg?ts=1744500148 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780295/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209940585.jpg?ts=1744500148 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780295/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209940585.jpg?ts=1744500148 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>5:45 p.m.</strong> - As expected, Justin Rose has fallen back to Earth as his putter cools off. He's lost over 1.5 strokes putting in Round 3 after gaining over seven on the greens in his first two rounds combined. Rose is 2-over for the day, four behind Rory McIlroy.</p><p><strong>5:35 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy cashes in on the par-5 13th, birdieing one of the easier holes on the course to increase his lead to two. DeChambeau bogeys the par-3 12th but launches his drive on No. 13 to set up a potential eagle opportunity. DeChambeau has made one birdie and one par on No. 13 this week.</p><p><strong>5:15 p.m</strong>. - Scottie Scheffler is once again struggling to gain momentum around Augusta. The defending champ is 1-over in Round 3 with only one birdie and two bogeys. Sitting five shots off the pace, he's losing strokes on approach shots and on the greens.</p><p><strong>4:50 p.m.</strong> - A lot can change in an hour. Rory McIlroy's brief four-shot lead vanishes after making his second bogey in three holes on No. 10. Meanwhile, Corey Conners birdies three straight to get within one of McIlroy's lead alongside DeChambeau.</p><p>Updated odds:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>4:45 p.m.</strong> - Every hole on the back nine is playing over par except for the two par 5s - Nos. 13 and 15. Keep this in mind as the final group tees off on No. 10. </p><p><strong>4:20 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy makes his first mistake of the day with a bogey on the par-5 eighth. The unforced error on Augusta's second easiest hole drops him back to 10-under, but it came at the same time DeChambeau bogeyed the par-4 seventh. McIlroy leads DeChambeau and Shane Lowry by three.</p><p><strong>4:00 p.m.</strong> - DeChambeau is struggling with his iron play. He's found two greenside bunkers, and two other approach shots have left him with 40 feet or longer for birdie. His short game and putting are keeping him afloat through six holes. He trails Rory McIlroy by three.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780273/cropped_GettyImages-2209941475.jpg?ts=1744487306" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780273/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209941475.jpg?ts=1744487306 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780273/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209941475.jpg?ts=1744487306 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780273/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209941475.jpg?ts=1744487306 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780273/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209941475.jpg?ts=1744487306 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780273/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209941475.jpg?ts=1744487306 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>3:45 p.m. - </strong>McIlroy becomes the first person ever to start a Masters round with five straight threes. His birdie on No. 5 gained him 1.29 strokes on the field, and moved him to the odds-on favorite at -140.</p><p><strong>3:15 p.m.</strong> - Get to a TV immediately. McIlroy is 4-under through four and has extended his lead to two shots over DeChambeau and Justin Rose. DeChambeau bogeys the short par-4 third, a hole playing 0.31 shots under par.</p><p><strong>2:55 p.m.</strong> - We're only 15 minutes into the final group's round, and it's been nothing but fireworks! DeChambeau rolls in a 45-footer for birdie on No. 1, and McIlroy chips in for eagle on No. 2.</p><p>Updated odds:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+210</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>2:45 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy birdies the first hole to move to +200 in the betting market. The first hole is playing slightly over par, so McIlroy steals an early one. Scottie Scheffler birdies No. 2 to climb to 6-under. Justin Rose has his work cut out for him if he's going to fend off an elite crop of chasers.</p><p><strong>2:30 p.m.</strong> - We're minutes away from having all the groups on the course. None of the early chasers made a notable move, but Jason Day, Sungjae Im, and Viktor Hovland are all under par and within three of Justin Rose's lead. </p><p><strong>2:10 p.m.</strong> - Augusta is playing the easiest it has all week. The scoring average is currently 71.07, nearly a stroke under par. In Round 1, it played 1.59 strokes over par. </p><p><strong>2:05 p.m.</strong> - OK, Zach Johnson is on another level. The 2007 champion is now 7-under through 16 - well on his way to his best career round at Augusta. It's unlikely anyone else will post a number this low today, but it's good to know it's possible.</p><p><strong>1:45 p.m.</strong> - Zach Johnson is going low! No, he's not going to win, but he's 5-under through 14, proving low scores on moving day are out there.</p><p><strong>12:30 p.m. </strong>- Here's what we'll focus on in the earlier rounds:</p><ul>
<li>Overnight rain softened the course Friday morning. It will be interesting to see how firm the course plays since it will only get firmer as the day goes on.</li>
<li>Nos. 1-3: This segment of Augusta National is ripe for birdies. If you can get by the first with a par, you'll have a real shot at reaching 2-under through three holes. The par-5 second is one of the easiest holes on the course, and No. 3 has already conceded 10 birdies to the 19 players who played it in Round 3.</li>
<li>No. 5 played as the most difficult hole in Round 1, but it was the sixth toughest on Day 2 despite conceding only six birdies. If a player can either avoid disaster or steal a birdie on No. 5 today, that could play a huge role in their standing going into Sunday.</li>
<li>Navigating Amen Corner can make or break a player's round. The pin on No. 11 will likely leave a lot of players to deal with a tricky pitch shot. On No. 12, the pin is situated in the center of the green but is well protected between the two greenside bunkers. Wind is always a factor on the short par 3 as well. And on No. 13, the pin is located on a tiny shelf at the back of the green that will be tough to access. There will likely be a lot of two-putts unless someone can perfectly judge the rollout on their approach shot.</li>
</ul><p><strong>11:30 a.m.</strong> - The leaders don't tee off until after 2 p.m., but plenty is going on in Round 3 that helps set the stage for what's to come. For example, Jon Rahm is off to a blistering start with three straight birdies to start his round. That will let chasers like Xander Schauffele (-2), Collin Morikawa (-3), and Ludvig Aberg (-3) know there are birdies available on the opening few holes.</p>

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Masters forecaddie: Running analysis of Round 3 at Augusta National

Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore updates you with insights and analysis from Round 2 of ...

<p><em>Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore updates you with insights and analysis from Round 2 of the Masters.</em></p><p>Day 2 of the Masters is in the books!</p><p>Augusta National showed its teeth Thursday but played nearly a stroke easier Friday, allowing the leaderboard to tighten up at the top. Justin Rose leads by one over Bryson DeChambeau, but 15 players are within five of Rose's lead. This tournament is still wide open.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Below was our running analysis and updates throughout the second round. (All times ET.) </p><p><strong>7:45 p.m. </strong>- Here's where we stand after Round 2:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Leaderboard</th>
<th>Odds to win</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Justin Rose (-8)</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy (+300)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Bryson DeChambeau (-7)</td>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau (+310)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3. Rory McIlroy (-6)</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler (+450)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3. Corey Conners (-6)</td>
<td>Justin Rose (+900)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5. Matt McCarty (-5)</td>
<td>Corey Conners (+1300)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5. Shane Lowry (-5)</td>
<td>Shane Lowry (+1800)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5. Scottie Scheffler (-5)</td>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton (+2200)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5. Tyrrell Hatton (-5)</td>
<td>Collin Morikawa (+2500)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Here's what we saw out of each of the contenders. </p><p>Rose: The Englishman once again relied heavily on his putting to survive in Round 2. He lost 0.43 strokes tee-to-green in Round 2 but gained more than two with his putter. He will have to get his tee-to-green game together if he has any chance of hanging on.</p><p>DeChambeau: The top LIV player turned in a near-flawless round. His only bogey came on the 16th after making four bogeys in Round 1. Like Rose, he's going to have to tidy up his approach play if he wants to win, but his combination of power and short game will make him tough to beat. </p><p>Rory McIlroy: He's played 34 of 36 holes better than anyone else this week. Unfortunately, McIlroy gave away four shots on two holes in Round 1 to rob him of the 36-hole lead. Still, McIlroy played flawlessly Friday and is the betting favorite to win the tournament.</p><p>Scottie Scheffler: It was an uncharacteristic lap around Augusta National for the two-time champion. Scheffler made five bogeys Friday, preventing him from getting closer to the lead. He lost strokes on the greens and off the tee, but you have to expect the No. 1 player in the world will rebound in a big way on moving day.</p><p><strong>7:05 p.m.</strong> - After an adventurous 18th, in which he was forced to pitch out sideways from the trees, Scottie Scheffler caps his 1-under round with his fifth bogey of the day. </p><p><strong>6:50 p.m. - </strong>With the cut locked at 2-over, its victims are finalized. Dustin Johnson, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley, Cam Smith, and Phil Mickelson are among the notables to miss the cut. Tony Finau remains in a battle but needs to find a birdie on one of the final two holes. </p><p><strong>6:10 p.m.</strong> - Goodbye, Lefty. Phil Mickelson's attempt at making the cut will likely come up short after playing Nos. 15 and 16 at 3-over par. Mickelson had been playing well on LIV entering his 32nd Masters but appears to be headed toward his fourth career missed cut at Augusta.</p><p><strong>6:05 p.m.</strong> - Corey Conners posts a 2-under 70 to get to 6-under for the tournament. The Canadian reverted to his usual form in Round 2, gaining over two shots with his approach play while losing nearly a stroke on the greens. </p><p><strong>5:50 p.m</strong>. - Fred Couples can't get it done, either. The 65-year-old bogeys his final hole to finish at 4-over for the tournament. Couples remains the oldest player to ever make the cut. He set the record back in 2023.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780130/cropped_GettyImages-2209800475.jpg?ts=1744408084" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780130/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209800475.jpg?ts=1744408084 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780130/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209800475.jpg?ts=1744408084 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780130/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209800475.jpg?ts=1744408084 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780130/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209800475.jpg?ts=1744408084 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780130/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209800475.jpg?ts=1744408084 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>5:25 p.m.</strong> - Bernhard Langer bogeys his final hole to fall to 3-over, likely ending his historic run at the Masters. The 67-year-old is making his 41st and final Masters appearance. He's a two-time green jacket winner. </p><p><strong>5:00 p.m.</strong> - All you can do is laugh. After making back-to-back birdies to open his back nine and drop to 4-under, Scottie Scheffler hits it long at No. 12 but catches a break as his ball rolls out of the trees. He then proceeds to chip in for a birdie, ending a round that was heading in the wrong direction with some more Scottie magic.</p><p><strong>4:30 p.m.</strong> - Oddsboard update after Scheffler makes his second bogey of the day on No. 10, dropping to 5-under for the tournament. The wind is really starting to pick up at Augusta.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+330</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+375</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>4:25 p.m.</strong> - We are officially on cut watch for two popular seniors. Langer doubles the par-5 15th to fall to 2-over for the tournament. He'll need to play the final three in at least even par to make the weekend. Couples is also at 2-over with four holes remaining.</p><p><strong>3:55 p.m.</strong> - Jon Rahm rolls in a 10-footer on 18 that will likely secure himself a weekend tee time. Mickelson and Keegan Bradley are sitting on the projected 2-over cut as they head to the back nine.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779945/cropped_GettyImages-2209610984.jpg?ts=1744399509" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779945/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209610984.jpg?ts=1744399509 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779945/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209610984.jpg?ts=1744399509 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779945/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209610984.jpg?ts=1744399509 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779945/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209610984.jpg?ts=1744399509 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779945/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209610984.jpg?ts=1744399509 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Heathcote / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>3:25 p.m.</strong> - Rory McIlroy bounces back from an awful end to Thursday's round with a 6-under 66 in Round 2. He's two behind clubhouse leader Justin Rose, who heads into the weekend at 8-under. With the morning wave coming to an end, our attention turns to the cutline and the betting favorite, Scottie Scheffler, who just made his first bogey on No. 7 to drop to 5-under.</p><p><strong>2:50 p.m.</strong> - We've already seen fireworks on the 18th hole around the cutline. Assuming 2-over holds, Patrick Cantlay made a clutch birdie to get to 2-over, Russell Henley bogeyed his final hole to drop to 3-over, and Brooks Koepka made a quadruple-bogey eight that will send him home early.</p><p><strong>2:30 p.m.</strong> - Viktor Hovland birdies four straight on the back nine to vault up the leaderboard. He sits at 6-under for the tournament, two shots behind Justin Rose's clubhouse lead. Hovland's odds have shortened drastically from +5000 earlier in the round to +1600. </p><p><strong>2:10 p.m.</strong> - The cut is projected to be 2-over. DataGolf.com gives 2-over a <a href="https://datagolf.com/live-model/pga-tour">78.8% likelihood</a>. Notables battling to make the cut, along with their current scores, are: Jon Rahm (+2), Will Zalatoris (+2), Russell Henley (+2), Phil Mickelson (+2), Patrick Cantlay (+3), and Tony Finau (+3).</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779746/cropped_GettyImages-2209383095.jpg?ts=1744223206" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779746/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209383095.jpg?ts=1744223206 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779746/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209383095.jpg?ts=1744223206 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779746/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209383095.jpg?ts=1744223206 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779746/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209383095.jpg?ts=1744223206 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779746/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209383095.jpg?ts=1744223206 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2:00 p.m.</strong> - Oddsboard update after McIlroy's eagle on the par-5 13th gets him to 5-under for the tournament:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>1:30 p.m.</strong> - Things are happening! Rory McIlroy opens his back nine with back-to-back birdies to get within six; Bryson DeChambeau pulls off an all-world up-and-down on No. 10 to remain at 7-under; Justin Rose regains his two-shot lead after a birdie on the par-3 16th; and Scottie Scheffler just began his second round. </p><p><strong>12:50 p.m.</strong> - McIlroy makes his second birdie of the day at the par-4 10th. He's been extremely steady Friday but didn't do enough damage on the front nine to get back in the mix. With it looking unlikely that the leaders slow down, McIlroy will likely need to play the remainder of the back nine at 2-under at least to set himself up for Saturday.</p><p><strong>12:45 p.m.</strong> - DeChambeau is the new betting favorite to win the Masters. He birdies the par-5 eighth to get within two of Justin Rose, moving his odds to +280 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><p><strong>12:35 p.m.</strong> - He's well back, but Xander Schauffele puts together a special 3-under front nine. He had six birdie looks from within 15 feet, which he converted only three of. The two-time major winner climbs into a tie for 11th but is still seven shots behind leader Rose.</p><p><strong>12:10 p.m.</strong> - The first nine at Augusta is currently playing 0.3 strokes under par, much easier than yesterday when it finished at 0.37 shots over par. Rasmus Hojgaard has the lowest round of the day going at 4-under, with Bryson DeChambeau, Matt McCarty, and Sungjae Im all at 3-under in Round 2. Make your birdies early and hang on.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765891/cropped_GettyImages-2194214066.jpg?ts=1737131070" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194214066.jpg?ts=1737131070 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194214066.jpg?ts=1737131070 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194214066.jpg?ts=1737131070 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194214066.jpg?ts=1737131070 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194214066.jpg?ts=1737131070 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mateo Villalba / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Noon</strong> - While players are making moves early, Rahm continues to be stuck in the mud. He's even through six holes and failed to birdie the par-5 second. The most likely cut is 3-over, according to <a href="https://datagolf.com/live-model/pga-tour">Data Golf</a>, so Rahm needs to maintain his current position.</p><p><strong>11:30 a.m.</strong> - Bryson from the bunker! DeChambeau shows off his bunker game with a hole-out birdie on No. 4. He moves to 2-under on the day, three strokes behind Rose, who makes the turn at 8-under for the tournament. Ludvig Aberg is at 5-under with DeChambeau, while Matt Fitzpatrick (-3), Im (-3), and Viktor Hovland (-2) all make early moves up the leaderboard.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bryson DeChambeau sparks a roar from the bunker on No. 4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/IGQRhTq0wA">pic.twitter.com/IGQRhTq0wA</a></p>— The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/1910715933162610701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>10:45 a.m.</strong> - The wind gusts are expected to exceed 20 mph at Augusta this afternoon, according to the broadcast. Players on the course now have to take advantage of the benign conditions. Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy are among the 17 players in red numbers. Rose remains at 7-under for the tournament.</p><p><strong>10:30 a.m.</strong> - The morning wave's featured groups are all on the course, and so far, Augusta is playing very comparable to Thursday. The par-5 second is playing nearly a half stroke under par and is a hole chasers must birdie if they want to chip away at Rose's lead.</p><p><strong>9:00 a.m. </strong>- Round 2 play is already underway, with the featured groups starting to tee off closer to 10 a.m.</p><p>Rose: The first-round leader has a three-shot lead, but there's still plenty of golf to be played. Rose gained 5.27 strokes putting in Round 1, which is unsustainable. He'll need to be better tee-to-green if he's to maintain his lead.</p><p>Schauffele: A winner of two majors last season, Schauffele had an up-and-down day in Round 1. He made five birdies, but six bogeys kept him in the black. If he can tidy up the mistakes, he'll have a good chance to track down the leaders.</p><p>McIlroy: He was in complete control yesterday until a terrible chip on the par-5 15th led to a double-bogey. McIlroy carded another double on No. 17 to destroy the fantastic round he had played through 14 holes. Getting off to a clean start in Round 2 through Augusta's easier holes could quickly get him back in the mix.</p><p>Aberg: While McIlroy was in reverse, his playing partner, Aberg, climbed up the leaderboard. Aberg birdied four of his final seven holes to grab a share of second. He's one of Scottie Scheffler's true contenders at the top of the leaderboard.</p><p>DeChambeau: He made seven birdies in Round 1, but four bogeys kept his round in check. DeChambeau started hot at last year's Masters with a 65, but followed it up with three rounds over par. How he navigates Augusta on Day 2 could make or break his chances for a green jacket.</p><p>Rahm: He spent most of Round 1 visibly angry while struggling his way around Augusta. Sitting at 3-over par, Rahm needs a solid second round if he plans to play the weekend.</p>

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Masters forecaddie: Running analysis of Round 2 at Augusta National

Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore keeps you updated with insights and analysis from Round...

<p><em>Stay tuned throughout the day as theScore keeps you updated with insights and analysis from Round 1 of the Masters. </em></p><p>Welcome in! </p><p>We tracked everything going on at Augusta National during Round 1 and provided analysis on what we saw. We focused on the leaders, marquee names, and any surprises throughout the day.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Let's get to it! (All times ET.)</p><p><strong>7:20 p.m. </strong>- The round is complete! It was a phenomenal opening round (unless you're named <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>) that sets the stage nicely for the remainder of the tournament.</p><p>Here's where we stand after Day 1:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Leaderboard</th>
<th>To win odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Justin Rose (-7)</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler (+240)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2.  Corey Conners (-4)</td>
<td>Ludvig Aberg (+550)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2. Scottie Scheffler (-4)</td>
<td> Bryson DeChambeau (+650)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2. Ludvig Aberg (-4)</td>
<td> Justin Rose (+750)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5. Tyrrell Hatton (-3)</td>
<td> Rory McIlroy (+1100)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5. Bryson DeChambeau (-3)</td>
<td>Corey Conners (+2000)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Odds via theScore Bet/ESPN Bet</em></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Strokes gained: Tee to green</th>
<th>Strokes Gained: Putting</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg (+5.25)</td>
<td>Justin Rose (+5.26)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Rai (+4.78)</td>
<td>Max Greyserman (+3.67)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton (+4.66)</td>
<td>Tom Hoge (+3.66)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt McCarty (+4.50)</td>
<td>Sam Burns (+3.17)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sergio Garcia (+4.44)</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler (+2.89)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Data via <a href="https://datagolf.com/live-tournament-stats">DataGolf.com</a></em></p><p><strong>6:50 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> may have posted the most disappointing even-par round in Masters history. He carded another double-bogey on the 17th before scrambling for par to end a round destined to be his best opening day at the Masters since 2011. McIlroy was once the +250 favorite, but has fallen to +1100 thanks to an ugly four-hole stretch. </p><p><strong>6:34 p.m.</strong> - Here comes Bryson! The big hitter birdies No. 16 for his third red number in his last four holes. DeChambeau was the first-round leader at last year's Masters after shooting 65 in Round 1. He's three shots off that pace right now, but his game seems to be in a much better spot. </p><p><strong>6:00 p.m.</strong> - Disaster strikes for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>. The Northern Irishman's first mistake of Round 1 is costly - he chipped his third shot into the water on No. 15, leading to a double-bogey seven. As a result, his odds to win plummet from +250 to +550, a 13% swing in implied probability.</p><p><strong>5:35 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a> is in the clubhouse at 7-under par, a brilliant round that thrust him into contention at yet another major. However, Rose gained over five strokes putting on Thursday, which will be tough to sustain. He's the third favorite to win at +750 behind Rory McIlroy (+250) and Scottie Scheffler (+300).</p><p><strong>5:10 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a> seems lost - and angry. The 2023 champ is wearing his emotions on his sleeve as he tries to finish his opening round without completely embarrassing himself. Rahn is 4-over through 11, which is by far the worst showing out of any of the pre-tournament favorites, and his outright odds move from +1600 to +9000.</p><p><strong>4:55 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a>'s sensational opening round continues as he buries his seventh birdie of the day on No. 15 to take an early three-shot lead. Rose has missed three of six cuts on the PGA TOUR this season, so this outburst is a bit of a surprise. He does love Augusta, though: He's a two-time runner-up at the Masters and has 14 top-25 finishes in 19 appearances.</p><p><strong>4:40 p.m.</strong> - Early in the day, it looked as though we could be in store for some low scores. But that's not the case. Augusta National is playing extremely firm and fast, and even without much wind, the scoring average is 1.81 strokes over par (73.81). Four holes are playing under par, and only one of those is on the back nine (the par-5 15th).</p><p><strong>4:25 p.m.</strong> - It's been an uncharacteristic day for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a>, the biggest name struggling on Thursday. The two-time major winner hit every fairway through 11 holes, but only six greens in regulation. He made three straight bogeys heading to No. 12 in the heart of Amen Corner.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779935/cropped_GettyImages-2209607271.jpg?ts=1744317675" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779935/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209607271.jpg?ts=1744317675 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779935/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209607271.jpg?ts=1744317675 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779935/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209607271.jpg?ts=1744317675 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779935/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209607271.jpg?ts=1744317675 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779935/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209607271.jpg?ts=1744317675 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>3:55 p.m.</strong> - It was a nearly perfect first nine for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>. He had two moments of stress: par putts on the par-5 second and par-3 fourth, both of which he converted. He heads to the back nine at 3-under par - three shots behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Rose</a> and one back of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scheffler</a>.</p><p><strong>3:35 p.m.</strong> - Quick stats update: Leader <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a> tops the field in strokes gained: putting, picking up over four shots on the field on the greens. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1907" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1907">Corey Conners</a> (-4) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> (-4) are in the top five. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1643" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1643">Harris English</a> (-2) led the field in strokes gained: approach, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4424" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4424">Joaquin Niemann</a> (E) second and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/994" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/994">Tyrrell Hatton</a> (-3) third.</p><p><strong>3:15 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>'s time near the top of the leaderboard was short-lived. He played his final four holes at 3-over to fall into a tie for 23rd at even par. His odds lengthened drastically from +800 to +3500 as a result. </p><p><strong>3:00 p.m.</strong> - Again?! Scheffler drained a 42-footer on the par-3 16th to move one shot off Rose's lead. He's made over 100 feet of putts between two birdies on par 3s. (He sank a 62-footer on No. 4.) The reigning champion has gained over two strokes putting through 16 holes, and his odds are already down to +250 (28.6% implied probability).</p><p><strong>2:50 p.m.</strong> - There's something about major championships that brings out the best in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a>. The 44-year-old Englishman made the turn at 5-under after hitting seven on nine greens in regulation and putting well enough to gain nearly three shots with the flatstick. Rose was a runner-up at the Open Championship last year - the most recent major contested.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779904/cropped_GettyImages-2209568355.jpg?ts=1744308182" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779904/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209568355.jpg?ts=1744308182 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779904/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209568355.jpg?ts=1744308182 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779904/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209568355.jpg?ts=1744308182 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779904/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209568355.jpg?ts=1744308182 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779904/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209568355.jpg?ts=1744308182 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2:30 p.m.</strong> - We have a new clubhouse leader. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1907" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1907">Corey Conners</a> birdied three of his final four holes to post a 4-under 68. The Canadian gained over two strokes putting - a rarity for him - and gained nearly another two around the greens. His odds to win shifted from +5000 to +2000 with his opening-round performance.</p><p><strong>2:20 p.m.</strong> - Every group has teed off, and the afternoon wave is bringing the fireworks. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> is 2-under through two and launched a 362-yard drive on the par-5 second. He then showed off his short game with a tidy pitch into the third to put another circle on the scorecard.</p><p><strong>1:55 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a> hasn't done anything exceptional today besides avoiding bogeys and making an eagle on the par-5 13th. Morikawa's blemish-free scorecard puts him one behind Hatton's 4-under lead. His live odds are down to +800, still behind Scheffler (3-under through 12) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> (E through two holes).</p><p><strong>1:40 p.m.</strong> - Shot of the day so far goes to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2106" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2106">Fred Couples</a>, who holed out for eagle on the par-4 14th from 191 yards using a hybrid! The big bird put the 65-year-old into a tie for sixth at 1-under.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Into the hole from 191 yards. Fred Couples eagles No. 14! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/5KD2bMUKv6">pic.twitter.com/5KD2bMUKv6</a></p>— The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/1910386911371288697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>1:30 p.m</strong>. - Fun fact: Scheffler's first-nine score of 3-under ties the best start from a defending champion in the past 30 years. There have been four other instances, one of which was Scheffler in 2023, according to the <a href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1910378049406648830">Twenty First Group's Justin Ray</a>.</p><p><strong>1:25 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2071" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2071">Max Homa</a> sighting? The golfer who received the most bets to miss the cut at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet is 2-under through four holes. It's the easiest stretch at Augusta National but still a positive sign for Homa, who's missed five straight cuts in the lead-up to the Masters.</p><p><strong>12:55 p.m.</strong> - Some notable names are starting to climb up the leaderboard. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/994" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/994">Tyrrell Hatton</a> (-3), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a> (-3 through three), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/55" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/55">Jordan Spieth</a> (-2) are all off to great starts. Hatton is currently the lowest LIV player with Niemann stuck at 2-under.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779890/cropped_GettyImages-2209579756.jpg?ts=1744305508" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779890/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209579756.jpg?ts=1744305508 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779890/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209579756.jpg?ts=1744305508 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779890/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209579756.jpg?ts=1744305508 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779890/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209579756.jpg?ts=1744305508 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779890/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209579756.jpg?ts=1744305508 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>12:50 p.m</strong>. - The last thing the rest of the field wants to see is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie </a><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540" target="_blank">Scheffler'</a>s</span> name near the top of the leaderboard early on Thursday. Bad news, folks - Scheffler is in cruise control. The reigning champ is 3-under through nine holes, one off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2091" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2091">Stephan Jaeger</a>'s lead, and hasn't hit a poor shot yet. His live odds to win are down to +290, a 25.6% implied probability.</p><p><strong>12:26 p.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a> is struggling big time. His score may not reflect it at 1-over par through seven holes, but he hasn't hit a good shot. Thomas failed to convert two straightforward up-and-downs, was forced to make an 11-footer to save par on No. 7 after an errant drive, and chunked his approach into the par-5 eighth.</p><p><strong>12:05 p.m.</strong> - We may have gotten a bit excited regarding early-round scoring. The front nine is playing 0.15 strokes over par with nine groups through. It's imperative for someone looking to post a solid front-nine score to make birdies early and hang on. The par-4 fifth is playing 0.62 strokes over par.</p><p><strong>11:50 a.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1480" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1480">Bernhard Langer</a> is a magician and this stat is too good not to share. Langer's longest drive during warm-up was 238 yards, <a href="https://x.com/JoelMBeall/status/1910359317724745898">according to Golf Digest's Joel Beall</a>, and is currently 1-under through 11 holes, sitting at T16.</p><p><strong>11:30 a.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3311" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3311">Aaron Rai</a> makes the turn leading at 4-under. One of the most accurate drivers on the PGA TOUR hit all seven fairways on the front and seven of nine greens in regulation. He's gained over three strokes tee-to-green and has live odds of +4500. Rai has the game to make some serious noise this week.</p><p><strong>11:15 a.m.</strong> - Scheffler is off to a comfortable 2-under start through four holes. He took care of the par-5 second and missed a slippery 12-footer for birdie on No. 3. He was seen yawning as he walked toward the fourth green then rolled in a 62-footer for birdie. Talk about a walk in the park.</p><p><strong>10:45 a.m.</strong> - Rai becomes the first player to reach 3-under par in his Masters debut. All three of his birdie putts have been less than 10 feet long, and he also missed a 6-footer on No. 4. His closing odds were +17500, but his current odds of +6000 may be worth a look.</p><p><strong>10:37 a.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4424" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4424">Joaquin Niemann</a> is off to a fantastic start, making birdie on his first two holes. He then burned the edge on No. 3, narrowly missing out on a third straight. LIV's top player has yet to record a top-15 finish in a major championship but couldn't have drawn up a better start.</p><p><strong>10:15 a.m.</strong> - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4700" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4700">Nicolai Hojgaard</a> started 3-over through two holes but rattled off five birdies over his next six holes, showing how scorable Augusta is at the moment. Hojgaard becomes the first player since 1992 to have at least five birdies and a double-bogey or worse on their first nine holes, <a href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1910339452435640624">according to the Twenty First Group's Justin Ray.</a></p><p><strong>9:55 a.m.</strong> - As the lead group makes the turn, scoring conditions at Augusta are perfect. There isn't a breath of wind, and golfers are taking advantage, with 13 players already in red numbers. If someone can make par on No. 1, they'll have a good shot at getting to 2-under par quickly. The par-5 second follows, and No. 3, playing nearly half a stroke under par, could end up being the easiest hole today.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30917858/related

Masters forecaddie: Analysis of Round 1 at Augusta National

Bettors are putting their trust - and money - in Rory McIlroy ahead of the 2025 Masters, as the N...

<p>Bettors are putting their trust - and money - in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> ahead of the 2025 Masters, as the Northern Irishman is the most popular selection to don the green jacket at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><p>McIlroy has garnered 9.5% of all bets placed on the tournament winner market and a staggering 15.1% of the handle (money wagered). That means both big and small bettors believe this is the week McIlroy ends his major championship drought to become only the sixth golfer to achieve the career grand slam.</p><p>While he's second on the oddsboard at +600 behind defending champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>, a case could be made that McIlroy deserves to be the favorite based on his body of work this year. This is the first time in his career that McIlroy will tee it up at Augusta National with two victories from the season already under his belt.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scheffler (+475), meanwhile, isn't in the same form as last year entering the Masters, with no victories and only two top-five results. Plus, defending at Augusta is difficult. Only three players - Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus - have accomplished the feat.</p><p>That hasn't prevented bettors from backing the favorite, though. Scheffler is the second-most bet-on golfer as he goes for his third green jacket in four years.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>9.5%</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>15.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>6.9%</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>12.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>6.9%</td>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>7.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>6.5%</td>
<td>Bryson Dechambeau</td>
<td>6.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>5.1%</td>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>3.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>3.5%</td>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>3.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Rahm</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
<td>Jon Rahm</td>
<td>3.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>3.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Zalatoris</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a> (+1400) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> (+1500) round out the top four options, but both see a significant drop off from Scheffler in terms of handle.</p><p>McIlroy is also getting love in the prop markets. A top-five finish for McIlroy is the most bet-on prop at +150. Morikawa's top-five finish and top-10 finish are the second and fourth most bet-on props, respectively.</p><p>On the flip side, bettors do not like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2071" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2071">Max Homa</a>'s chances of playing weekend golf. Homa to miss the cut is the fifth-most bet-on prop and has accumulated the fourth-most handle.</p><p>Homa's struggles this year are well-documented. He's missed four straight cuts and finished near the bottom of the leaderboard at two no-cut events this season. He's changed equipment, swing coaches, and will have a new caddie on the bag this week in Augusta. He did finish T3 at the Masters last year but bettors are hoping those good vibes do not return this week. </p>

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Bettors make Rory most popular pick to tame Augusta National

We're less than 24 hours away from the opening tee ball being hit at Augusta National to kick off...

<p>We're less than 24 hours away from the opening tee ball being hit at Augusta National to kick off the 2025 Masters Tournament. </p><p>We covered our outright selections in the main <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3260710" href="https://thescore.com/news/3260710">betting preview</a>, but with so many markets available for the Masters, we couldn't stop at just three picks.</p><p>Let's get to our 10 favorite prop bets for the season's first major. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Schauffele: To finish top 20 (-120)</strong></p><p>The thesis behind backing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> in the outright market and the top-20 market is the same: He's undervalued based on an injury that no longer impacts his game.</p><p>The winner of two majors in 2024 is being treated as a worse golfer than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a>, who has played in four career majors and missed two of those cuts, and the same as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a>, who hasn't won since 2022 and missed back-to-back cuts at Augusta.</p><p>Schauffele has finished inside the top 20 in 11 straight major championships and a whopping 23 of the 30 career majors he's played. This is stealing at -120 odds.</p><p><strong>Lowry: To finish top 20 (+110)</strong></p><p>The 2019 Open Champion is in form to earn a second major victory. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/325" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/325">Shane Lowry</a> ranks fourth on DataGolf's adjusted strokes gained: tee-to-green rating, behind only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>. He's collected five top-20s in his last six starts, recorded two top-10s in majors last season, and finished T3 at the 2022 Masters.</p><p><strong>Conners: To finish top 20 (+150)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1907" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1907">Corey Conners</a> is one of the best ball strikers in the world, a reputation he's proven through his strong performances at Augusta over his career. In six starts as a professional, he's recorded three top-10s and missed only one cut. Conners has finished inside the top 20 in four straight PGA TOUR starts and should carry his elite tee-to-green form into the Masters.</p><p><strong>MacIntyre: To finish top 20 (+150)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4894" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4894">Robert MacIntyre</a> ranks fifth on DataGolf's adjusted strokes gained: tee-to-green rating. He placed T12 and T23 in two career starts at Augusta, and that was before he elevated his game. Since then, he's won two marquee events (the Canadian Open and the Scottish Open) to become a top-20 player in the world. Left-handed golfers have always found success around the iconic Masters layout. MacIntyre could be in the mix to become another lefty to don the green jacket.</p><p><strong>Zalatoris: To finish top 20 (+160)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1622" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1622">Will Zalatoris</a>' worst finish in three starts at the Masters is a T9. We're only asking him to finish in the top 20 and getting +160 odds. Zalatoris has been a model of consistency over his past 10 PGA TOUR starts, with no finish worse than T47. His incredible iron play will allow him to separate from the field at Augusta more than any other venue, and a top-20 result shouldn't be an issue.</p><p><strong>Hoge: To finish top 40 (+110)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1807" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1807">Tom Hoge</a> finished T3 at the Players Championship and T5 at the Valero Texas Open in the run-up to the Masters, and it'd be hard to find many golfers with better lead-in form at comparable odds. He's a great iron player and came T39 in his Masters debut two years ago.</p><p><strong>Straka: Top continental European (+800)</strong></p><p>We waxed poetic about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/534" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/534">Sepp Straka</a> in the main betting preview, so it would make sense that we like the Austrian in prop markets. Here, Straka is mainly competing against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5297" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5297">Viktor Hovland</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/621" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/621">Sergio Garcia</a>. Straka is in the best form out of anyone in this category. If we like his chances to win the green jacket, he's an easy golfer to back against players surrounded by question marks.</p><p><strong>MacIntyre: Top left-handed golfer (+200)</strong></p><p>For the same reasons listed above, backing MacIntyre in the top lefty market is another way to get exposure to the Scot. There's a record eight lefties teeing it up this week, but none in better form than MacIntyre. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5671" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5671">Akshay Bhatia</a> is his toughest competition, but we'll trust the more experienced major competitor to take down this market as the favorite.</p><p><strong>Reed: Top LIV golfer (+1100)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1162" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1162">Patrick Reed</a>'s short game remains one of the best in the world and is always a factor at Augusta. This isn't a knock at his other LIV compadres' chances; Rahm, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a>, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1461" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Koepka</a> can all win this week. But at +1100, Reed should be in the mix for the top LIV player. The 2018 champ has finished inside the top 12 in four of his last five Masters starts, which could be good enough to win this bet.</p><p><strong>Hovland: To miss the cut (+180)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5297" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5297">Viktor Hovland</a> is one of the few players in the Masters who won in their last start. While that may suggest he's in good form, his comments after the Valspar Championship victory indicate he's not overly confident in his game.</p><p>"Some of the shots that I'm hitting, it's going to make it really difficult for me to be in contention at Augusta if I don't rectify that problem," Hovland said, <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=206215">according to ASAP Sports</a>.</p><p>We're going to bank on him not being able to correct the problem that plagued him before his win when he missed three straight cuts.</p>

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Masters props: Targeting Lowry, Conners in the top-20 market

The field is set for the 2025 Masters, and it's time to make some predictions about what will unf...

<p>The field is set for the 2025 Masters, and it's time to make some predictions about what will unfold at Augusta National.</p><p>Our golf writers, Dane Belbeck and Eric Patterson, share their picks on who they think will win the coveted green jacket, who will disappoint the most, and everything in between. </p><p>Let's dive in. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Masters champion</h3><p><strong>Rory McIlroy</strong></p><p>If not now, when? Augusta National may have put <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> in the friend zone years ago, but the all-around development in his game has him coming in as a different man. This is the first time he's driven down Magnolia Lane with two victories already under his belt in the calendar year, having secured wins at Pebble Beach and The Players. He'll run into enough birdies throughout the week to be in contention Sunday, but he'll need to limit bogeys if he wants to win. I bet he does, and he finally completes the career grand slam with an emphatic triumph.<em> - Belbeck</em></p><p><strong>Xander Schauffele </strong></p><p>For the sake of being different - and to completely disagree with my colleague's boldest take below - we'll go with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a>. </p><p>Schauffele seems to be flying under the radar despite holding two major championship trophies. There's a reason for that, though: A rib injury he sustained early in the season knocked him out for two months, and he's failed to finish inside the top 10 in his three starts since his return.</p><p>But his most recent start at the Valspar Championship suggests he's 100% healthy - he gained 11.2 strokes on approach shots, the best of his career. The last time he played Augusta, he was still dubbed the best player without a major. Now, he has the chance to be the first to hold three simultaneous majors titles since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a>. <em>- Patterson</em></p><h3>Top longshot</h3><p><strong>Will Zalatoris (+6000)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/450689/cropped_GettyImages-1312017776.jpg?ts=1618183410" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/450689/w220xh124_GettyImages-1312017776.jpg?ts=1618183410 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/450689/w320xh180_GettyImages-1312017776.jpg?ts=1618183410 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/450689/w640xh360_GettyImages-1312017776.jpg?ts=1618183410 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/450689/w768xh432_GettyImages-1312017776.jpg?ts=1618183410 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/450689/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1312017776.jpg?ts=1618183410 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1622" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1622">Will Zalatoris</a> has never <em>really</em> struggled at the Masters. He has played the event three times, and his tie for ninth last year represents his worst finish ever. His approach game is elite, which is essential to thrive at Augusta, but his putting makes the difference. Zalatoris traditionally ranks outside the top 100 on TOUR in putting each season, but he ranked third in that statistic over his first two Masters appearances, according to <a data-in-app-uri="" href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1778094471743156557">Justin Ray of the Twenty First Group</a>.<em> - Belbeck</em></p><p><strong>Sepp Straka (+6000)</strong></p><p>You don't have to go too far down some of the PGA TOUR's most important stat categories to find <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/534" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/534">Sepp Straka</a>. He may not be a household name, but those paying attention this year know how well the Austrian is playing.</p><p>He won the American Express in January and followed that up with five top-15 finishes in his last seven starts. He's seventh in strokes gained: total, sixth in strokes gained: tee to green, and fifth in strokes gained: approach on the PGA TOUR this season. Don't be shocked if Straka secures Austria's first major championship title. - <em>Patterson</em></p><h3>Top Debutant</h3><p><strong>Rasmus Hojgaard</strong></p><p>He might be a rookie at <em>these</em> Masters, but he's been wildly successful as of late at different Masters. The Dane played in the Qatar Masters, British Masters, European Masters and Andalucia Masters last year and posted three top-six finishes and a tie for 17th. He's also got the bonus of having his twin brother, Nicolai, to walk him through the debut process after a 16th-place showing in his first Masters last year. <em>- Belbeck</em></p><p><strong>Maverick McNealy</strong></p><p>McNealy is, understandably, a +600 co-favorite to the top debutant at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. He has four top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR this season, including a third-place showing at last week's Valero Texas Open. He has the length and iron-play required to navigate Augusta's tricky layout, and he's one of the best putters in the field. - <em>Patterson</em></p><h3>Boldest prediction</h3><p><strong>Schauffele misses the cut</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/579814/cropped_GettyImages-1495396014.jpg?ts=1685727742" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/579814/w220xh124_GettyImages-1495396014.jpg?ts=1685727742 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/579814/w320xh180_GettyImages-1495396014.jpg?ts=1685727742 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/579814/w640xh360_GettyImages-1495396014.jpg?ts=1685727742 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/579814/w768xh432_GettyImages-1495396014.jpg?ts=1685727742 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/579814/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1495396014.jpg?ts=1685727742 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Considering he's made 60 straight cuts, this is about as bold as it gets. Since his return from a rib injury earlier this year, Schauffele hasn't quite regained the form that saw him grab two majors in 2024. He currently ranks outside the top 160 on TOUR in strokes gained: off the tee, around the green and putting. Schauffele will eventually return to his brilliant output, but we'll take the shot at him missing the cut as our bold take. <em>- Belbeck</em></p><p><strong>Mickelson and Garcia both finish inside the top 10</strong></p><p>Blast from the past, shall we? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1308" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1308">Phil Mickelson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/621" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/621">Sergio Garcia</a> have been playing well on LIV this season and, as past Masters champions, know a thing or two about contending at Augusta National. </p><p>Mickelson has two top-10s in his past three starts on LIV, including a solid showing last week in Miami. Garcia earned a LIV victory three starts ago and finished on the podium in his final prep event for the Masters. It's a long shot, but Lefty finished as a runner-up to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a> in 2023, and Garcia can easily keep his strong play going in his effort to make the 2025 European Ryder Cup team. <em>- Patterson</em></p><h3>Best player to miss the cut</h3><p><strong>Ludvig Aberg</strong></p><p>Schauffele would undoubtedly be the biggest name to miss the cut outside of McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, but we used him for the bold prediction, so let's move further down the list. Aberg electrified the crowd with a second-place finish in his first Masters - and first major championship in general - last year. He also already has a win this year, but he's struggled in recent weeks. Aberg has missed two straight cuts and has broken 70 just once in his last eight rounds. <em>- Belbeck</em></p><p><strong>Viktor Hovland</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5297" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5297">Viktor Hovland</a> has some question marks surrounding his game, even though he won his last start.</p><p>Hovland admitted after his Valspar Championship victory that he was surprised he won because he had little confidence in where his ball was going. He also gained 7.4 strokes putting en route to the win, the best putting week of his career and an area he's struggled with throughout the year.</p><p>Let's call Hovland's recent win a stroke of luck. Hovland missed three missed cuts in a row, and that form is far more likely to make an appearance at Augusta National than another week of flukey golf shots. <em>- Patterson </em></p>

PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 13: Xander Schauffele of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shake hands on the 18th green during the first round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort on June 13, 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

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Masters predictions: Who will win, and who will disappoint at Augusta

The greatest time of the golf calendar is here. It's Masters week. Clear your weekend schedules, ...

<p>The greatest time of the golf calendar is here. It's Masters week. Clear your weekend schedules, place some bets, and settle onto the couch for what should be an incredible tournament.</p><p>A field of 95 players will descend on the iconic grounds of Augusta National for the year's first major championship. Defending champion <a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> is the betting favorite at +440 at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>, whose quest for his first green jacket is the story of the week, is the second favorite at +650.</p><h3>The course</h3><ul>
<li>Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia</li>
<li>7,555 yards, par 72</li>
<li>Bentgrass greens</li>
<li>All four par 5s under 600 yards</li>
<li>Long par 4s place a premium on mid- to long-iron play</li>
<li>Tests every aspect of players' games</li>
</ul><p>One of the best aspects of the Masters is the familiarity every fan has with Augusta. When the TV broadcast cuts to a new player, you can almost instantly recognize which hole they're on. Augusta is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the world and a perfect test for today's modern professional. There's no faking it around Augusta National for 72 holes - whoever wins the green jacket will be a deserving champion.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Past winners</h3><p>2024: Scottie Scheffler (-11) over Ludvig Aberg<br>2023: Jon Rahm (-12) over Brooks Kopeka, Phil Mickelson<br>2022: Scottie Scheffler (-10) over Rory McIlroy<br>2021: Hideki Matsuyama (-10) over Will Zalatoris<br>2020: Dustin Johnson (-20) over Sungjae Im, Cameron Smith<br>2019: Tiger Woods (-13) over Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele<br>2018: Patrick Reed (-15) over Rickie Fowler<br>2017: Sergio Garcia (-9) in a playoff over Justin Rose<br>2016: Danny Willett (-5) over Jordan Spieth, Lee Westwood<br>2015: Jordan Spieth (-18) over Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose<br>2014: Bubba Watson (-9) over Jordan Spieth, Jonas Blixt<br>2013: Adam Scott (-9) over Angel Cabrera<br>2012: Bubba Watson (-10) over Louis Oosthuizen<br>2011: Charl Schwartzel (-14) over Jason Day, Adam Scott<br>2010: Phil Mickelson (-16) over Lee Westwood</p><h3>The favorites</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+475</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+625</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Scheffler and McIlroy are on a tier of their own this week by a significant margin. Bettors will need to form an opinion on these two before placing bets.</p><p>There isn't much more you can say about Scheffler's history at Augusta. He's won two of the past three Masters, an incredible feat highlighting how ideally suited this course is for his game.</p><p>However, Scheffler's form isn't the same as last year's. He's yet to win this season and - we're nitpicking here - only has two top-five finishes in six starts. Scheffler's odds have moved from +400 to +475, and there may be an opportunity to back the reigning champ if it continues to drift. But for now, you're paying a price that doesn't reflect his current form. For that reason, he's a pass despite his obvious winning potential.</p><p>As for McIlroy, his career at Augusta National is well-documented for all the wrong reasons. On paper, his history doesn't look concerning, but his seven top-10s in 16 career starts are a bit of a mirage since he hasn't genuinely contended at the Masters since 2011.</p><p>However, this could be McIlroy's best opportunity to complete the career grand slam. He's already won twice this season - something he's never done prior to the Masters during his career - and you can poke holes in nearly every other contender's game.</p><p>Admittedly, +625 is a short price for someone who hasn't won a major since 2014, and it's probably a pass considering the other options at far longer prices on the betting board. But if forced to pick one player to win the Masters without considering the odds, it's McIlroy.</p><h3>The contenders</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Rahm</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joaquin Niemann</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The oddsboard opens after the top two with eight players priced from +1400 to +2800. As mentioned above, every one of these players has holes in their resume that could lead to one of the most wide-open Masters in recent memory.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a> has the stats, recent form, and course history that align with past Masters winners, but he hasn't won since October 2023. And the times he's been close, Morikawa has looked uncomfortable while contending. He held the lead late at the Arnold Palmer Invitational before getting stuck in neutral on the back nine to let <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1700" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1700">Russell Henley</a> steal the trophy. Given his recent Sunday struggles, the pressure of a green jacket may be too much for Morikawa to handle.</p><p>It's tough to know the state of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a>'s and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a>'s games leading into the Masters. Neither has won on LIV this year, and it's hard to determine if they're ready for Augusta's test with no strokes-gained data.</p><p>DeChambeau took advantage of a soft Augusta National last year in Round 1. He opened with a 65 but followed up with rounds of 73, 75, and 73 to fall out of contention. The idea that he may have figured out Augusta might be overblown.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> has missed two straight cuts coming into the tournament. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> isn't in good form, either. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a> is unlikely to end a nearly three-year winless drought on the biggest stage in golf. And <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4424" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4424">Joaquin Niemann</a> may be leading LIV's standings, but he doesn't have a single top-15 finish in a major.</p><p>Of course, there are positives for everyone's game in this range, but (for the majority) the risk doesn't outweigh the price you're being asked to pay. </p><h3>The next tier</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hideki Matsuyama</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Zalatoris</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Smith</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sepp Straka</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sergio Garcia</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Akshay Bhatia</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Reed</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tony Finau</td>
<td>+8500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wydham Clark</td>
<td>+8500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Day</td>
<td>+8500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dustin Johnson</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phil Mickelson</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Picks</h3><p><strong>Xander Schauffele (+2200)</strong></p><p>If you are casually tuning in to bet on golf for the first time this year and see Schauffele's odds at +2200, he'd likely be an automatic bet. That's the strategy we're taking with this selection. Don't overthink the obvious value attached to a player who won two majors last season.</p><p>A rib injury kept Schauffele out for two months earlier in the year. Missing time is less than ideal, but he's had three tournaments to sharpen his game before Augusta. While Schauffele's finishes haven't been great, his underlying numbers suggest he's nearly back to last year's form. In his most recent start at the Valspar Championship, Schauffele gained 11.2 strokes on approach shots, the best week of iron play he's had in his career.</p><p>Schauffele has also struggled with his driver since returning to the PGA TOUR. However, he mentioned in his pre-tournament press conference that he put last year's driver back in the bag because he didn't have enough time to test the 2025 model he received. Schauffele's typically a tremendous driver of the ball, which should return with a familiar weapon back in his hands.</p><p>Schauffele's major championship pedigree - and success at the Masters - have the makings of someone who should end their career with a green jacket. This is the perfect time to buy low on a player whose upside rivaled Scheffler's form from last year. </p><p><strong>Will Zalatoris (+6000)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1622" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1622">Will Zalatoris</a> has played in three Masters, with his worst finish being last year's T9. Augusta rewards elite ball-strikers like Zalatoris, and his advantage over the field grows when the course gets crispy, which it's expected to be this week. There's also something about the Augusta greens that Zalatoris likes. He's far from the best putter in the world, but he ranked third in strokes gained: putting over his first two Masters appearances, according to <a href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1778094471743156557">Justin Ray of the Twenty First Group</a>.</p><p>Despite lacking a top-10 finish this season, Zalatoris has been extremely consistent with no missed cuts. He also briefly held the lead on the weekend at the Players Championship, something <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4299" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4299">Min Woo Lee</a> also did before winning shortly after at the Houston Open.</p><p><strong>Sepp Straka (+6000)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/534" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/534">Sepp Straka</a> may be the best relatively unknown player in the world, and you're getting a deal on him at +6000. </p><p>The big Austrian ranks seventh on the PGA TOUR in total strokes gained this season and fifth in strokes gained: approach, and he has a victory under his belt leading into the Masters. Straka also fits the current-form trend of recent Masters champions, with five top-15 showings in seven starts since his victory.</p><p>Additionally, Straka has past success in majors. He was a runner-up in the 2023 Open Championship (only five majors ago), T7 in the 2023 PGA Championship, and T16 at last year's Masters.</p><p>There's a lot to like about Straka's recent form, and major history suggests he could be a surprise winner.</p>

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Masters betting preview: 3 selections to don the green jacket

LIV Golf had been playing in the far corners of the globe before last week. You're likely not alo...

<p>LIV Golf had been playing in the far corners of the globe before last week. You're likely not alone if you're unaware of how the 12 LIV golfers competing in the Masters have been playing this season.</p><p>We're here to update you on some old friends returning to golf's biggest stage at Augusta National this week as we review their 2025 results and evaluate their chances at a green jacket in the season's first major.</p><h3>Bryson DeChambeau</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +1400<br>LIV standings: 15th</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The reigning U.S. Open champion remains winless on LIV this season, but he has three top-10 results, including last week at Doral, where he held the 36-hole lead before a final-round 75 derailed his chances. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">DeChambeau</a> also finished second on the Asian Tour's International Series event in India in a field full of LIV members.</p><p>DeChambeau has the third-shortest odds to win the Masters at +1400, which you could argue is underserved based on this campaign's results. However, his major record from last season holds a ton of weight. DeChambeau finished T6 at last year's Masters and T2 at the PGA Championship before winning at Pinehurst. He's a true major contender and proved in 2024 that he's figuring out Augusta. Could this be his year?</p><h3>Jon Rahm</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +1600<br>LIV standings: 3rd</strong></p><p>The most surprising LIV defector is also winless in five events this year, but he hasn't finished worse than a T9. Still, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Rahm</a> is held to a higher standard than every other LIV player, so you'd hope to see him have at least one victory heading to Augusta.</p><p>He finished T45 at last year's Masters in his first major appearance as a member of Legion XIII. Rahm then missed the cut at the PGA Championship, withdrew from the U.S. Open due to a toe injury, and finished T7 at The Open. It won't take much for Rahm to improve upon last year's major results, but it's hard to know where his game currently stands. He could win his second green jacket or fail to contend like last year. Neither would be a surprise.</p><h3>Joaquin Niemann</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +2500<br>LIV standings: 1st</strong></p><p>Niemann has been the best player on LIV over the past two years, and he's already collected two individual titles to put him atop the 2025 point standings. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1308" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1308">Phil Mickelson</a> called Niemann the <a href="https://x.com/PhilMickelson/status/1901234136783688114">best player in the world</a> in March, inadvertently dumping a ton of pressure on the 26-year-old.</p><p>However, Niemann has struggled in the sport's biggest tournaments, with his best finish being a T16 at the 2023 Masters across 22 career majors. The Chilean winning a green jacket would boost LIV more than any other player on its roster, but that's a tall ask for someone who's never faced major championship pressure on Sunday.</p><h3>Brooks Koepka</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +3000<br>LIV standings: 10th</strong></p><p>Koepka is a five-time major champion. There isn't much more to be said about a player with that type of resume. His lead-in form to majors rarely mattered, even when he was on the PGA TOUR, consistently rising to the occasion and competing at a high level whenever healthy.</p><p>Koepka has zero injury concerns heading into Augusta, and he finished second two starts ago on LIV (his second top-10 of the season). With all that said, Koepka struggled in last year's four majors, as he didn't finish better than T26. This week will reveal a lot about the state of his game. Is Koepka still a threat, or has his performance tailed off since winning the 2023 PGA Championship?</p><h3>Tyrrell Hatton</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +5000<br>LIV standings: 26th</strong></p><p>It's been a sluggish start for Hatton in his second LIV season. His only top-10 result came in the campaign's first event, and he finished T33 last week in Miami. Hatton won the Dubai Desert Classic in January, but that was early in the year before the LIV season started.</p><p>With shoddy recent form and a suspect track record at Augusta National, it would be surprising to see Hatton's name near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday. </p><h3>Cam Smith</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +6000<br>LIV standings: 29th</strong></p><p>Smith's first top-10 result of the LIV season came last week in Miami, a good sign for someone who's contended multiple times at Augusta. Smith has recorded five top-10 finishes in eight starts at the Masters. If last week's performance means anything, the Aussie could make a run at his second major victory.</p><h3>Dustin Johnson</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +8000<br>LIV standings: T28</strong></p><p>Johnson has one top-10 finish on LIV this year and should have claimed a second last week before firing 79 in the final round to settle in a tie for 27th. Two starts ago, Johnson came dead last in the 54-man LIV field, behind the formerly retired Anthony Kim, Luis Masaveu, and Frederik Kjettrup.</p><p>To say Johnson's game has fallen off a cliff would be an understatement. He's also coming off the worst major season of his career after missing two of four cuts and not finishing in the top 30.</p><h3>Sergio Garcia</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +8000<br>LIV standings: 2nd</strong></p><p>The 2017 Masters champ is having a great year on LIV. He won three starts ago and placed third last week in Miami. Garcia also secured a top-five finish on the Asian Tour's International Series in Macau.</p><p>But he's been horrendous in major championships since winning the green jacket (15 missed cuts in 25 starts). Still, it's a Ryder Cup year, and Garcia may be using that as motivation to make the European Team after failing to make the squad in 2023.</p><h3>Patrick Reed</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +8500<br>LIV standings: 21st</strong></p><p>Like Smith, Reed's best result of the 2025 LIV campaign came last week in Miami with a T7. He also finished second in the Asian Tour's Macau event.</p><p>With or without form, Reed's played well at the Masters, compiling four top-15 showings in six starts since his 2018 victory. It wouldn't be a shock to see Reed have another solid outing, but you shouldn't bank on him earning a second green jacket.</p><h3>Phil Mickelson</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +10000<br>LIV standings: 12th</strong></p><p>The one thing Mickelson has taught us throughout his career is never to count him out. The oldest major champion in history is in fine form ahead of his 32nd Masters appearance. He's placed third and sixth within his last three LIV starts and was within striking distance most of last week.</p><p>The three-time green jacket winner came T2 at the 2023 Masters with dreadful lead-in form, so perhaps we are in for another surprising week from Mickelson.</p><h3>Charl Schwartzel</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +30000<br>LIV standings: 14th</strong></p><p>Schwartzel earned his best outing of the year with a second-place finish in Miami last week, but he has no chance of winning a second green jacket. He's finished inside the top 10 at Augusta twice since his 2011 victory.</p><h3>Bubba Watson</h3><p><strong>Masters odds: +50000<br>LIV standings: 36th</strong></p><p>LIV had Watson in its relegation zone last year, but his role as team captain saved him in the standings. This season isn't going any better for the two-time Masters winner. Watson has yet to crack the top 10 and has posted three consecutive finishes outside the top 30.</p>

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA - AUGUST 16: Jon Rahm of Spain hand shakes Bryson DeChambeau of the United States after finishing the 18th hole during day one of LIV Golf: Greenbrier at The Old White Course on August 16, 2024 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

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LIV at the Masters: Catching up with 12 familiar faces ahead of Augusta

No disrespect to the ongoing Valero Texas Open, but there are fewer than seven days until the fir...

<p>No disrespect to the ongoing Valero Texas Open, but there are fewer than seven days until the first tee ball is hit at Augusta National. It's officially Masters week.</p><p>From a betting perspective, the 2025 Masters could not be more intriguing. While odds for the event have been available for a while, recent movement atop the oddsboard has generated two clear front-runners.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> is the favorite at +450 (18.2% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, but his odds have drifted slightly from his low of +375. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> is playing some of the best golf of his career, with his opening odds of +1000 shortening to +600 after he won The Players Championship. Rarely are two players priced so short heading into a tournament, creating a wide gap at the top.</p><h3>The favorites</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Rahm</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joaquin Niemann</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's unlikely the market will allow McIlroy to jump Scheffler on the oddsboard. Although he hasn't won this season, Scheffler's success at Augusta National is too strong, as he's claimed two of the last three green jackets.</p><p>However, you can certainly make the case that McIlroy is the best player in the world at the moment. He won at TPC Sawgrass and took down the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, marking the first time he's earned two victories leading into the Masters. But Augusta National has been McIlroy's kryptonite ever since he collapsed on the back nine in 2011 - the last time he was truly in contention to win the green jacket.</p><p>Bettors will be forced to make one of three decisions if they want a decent return on picking the winner correctly: Choose Scheffler, choose McIlroy, or venture further down the oddsboard to find the winner.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> are the next two options on the oddsboard. Morikawa is one of three players gaining over two strokes per round this season (Scheffler and McIlroy are the others), and he's recorded three straight top 10s at Augusta.</p><p>Aberg won the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines in February and was the runner-up to Scheffler in his Masters debut last year. Aberg's showing at the Texas Open may influence his odds slightly, but he should remain within the top five or six on the betting board.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4424" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4424">Joaquin Niemann</a> are grouped among the favorites as LIV Golf's top-end talent. It's hard to know exactly how they've been playing on LIV this season. However, the trio faces a tough test this weekend at Doral's Blue Monster course in Miami, which could shed some light on the state of their games.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> currently holds two of the four major championship titles, but his odds have lengthened to +2200 after a rib injury and some poor play derailed the start of his 2025 season. While he's a potential long shot, Augusta National isn't a course where struggling players regain their form.</p><h3>The next tier</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Hideki Matsuyama</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Zalatoris</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Akshay Bhatia</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Smith</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+6600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tony Finau</td>
<td>+6600</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>While the top of the betting board is unlikely to see much movement, the remainder can easily change throughout the week as oddsmakers react to the betting market. Most players' odds will lengthen as the week goes on, with sportsbooks competing to offer the best prices. </p><p>Check back all week for more in-depth betting coverage of what should be a fantastic Masters Tournament.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30850888/related

Masters odds: Scheffler, McIlroy in a tier above the rest

The hockey world is locked into Alex Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record....

<p>The hockey world is locked into <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>'s chase of Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record. Ovechkin is only three tallies shy of breaking Gretzky's 894 mark. It's going to happen - and it's only a matter of when.</p><p>With seven Capitals games remaining before the playoffs, Ovechkin's odds of scoring his 895th career goal this season are -500 at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, which equates to an implied probability of 83.3%.</p><p>Those odds have shifted drastically over the past week after the Capitals' captain potted a goal in three consecutive games. Before Washington's tilt against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/2" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/2">Buffalo Sabres</a> on Sunday, Ovechkin was only -115 (53.5% implied probability) to break Gretzky's record this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin's chances of becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer this season have never been better.</p><p>The Capitals play the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/17">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/7">New York Islanders</a> two more times each this season, giving those two teams the shortest odds to concede the record-breaking goal. </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Date)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Blue Jackets (April 12 &amp; 13)</td>
<td>+170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Islanders (April 6 &amp; 15)</td>
<td>+275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hurricanes (April 10)</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penguins (April 17)</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blackhawks (April 4)</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Washington plays host to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/16">Chicago Blackhawks</a> on Friday, with oddsmakers suggesting there's a 3% chance Ovechkin records a hat trick to make history.</p><p>But Ovechkin has a flair for the dramatic, doesn't he? How about leaving it to the final game of the regular season against longtime rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/10">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>? That would be appointment viewing for any hockey fan. </p><p>In terms of how he'll do it, an even-strength marker is the heavy favorite at -220. However, Ovechkin dominates on the power play. He has the most power-play tallies in NHL history with 323 (49 more than second-place Dave Andreychuk), with 36.2% of his career goals coming with the man advantage. Perhaps he'll do it in a similar fashion to how he's scored so many power-play markers before - a one-timer on his off wing from the face-off dot.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Method</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Even strength</td>
<td>-220</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Power play</td>
<td>+160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shorthanded</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A short-handed goal is a long shot at +6000. Ovechkin has only five short-handed goals in his career.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Period of goal</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1st period</td>
<td>+250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2nd period</td>
<td>+230</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3rd period</td>
<td>+105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Overtime</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Oddsmakers believe the third period is when Ovechkin will most likely score the historic goal, which makes sense considering the possibility of an empty-netter. But it wouldn't feel right if Ovechkin broke the long-standing record on an empty-netter.</p><p>Regardless of how Ovechkin scores it, breaking the record this season would put a bow on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/15" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/15">Washington Capitals</a>' incredible 2024-25, which will likely include being the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Nobody, aside from perhaps Gretzky himself, wants to see this chase carry over to next season.</p>