Dan Spears projected Sepp Straka as the surprise Thursday round leader due to his exceptional performance throughout 2025. A University of Georgia alumnus, Straka is in the midst of a career year, and Spears remarked it would be fitting for his sharp play to be rewarded with at least a brief Masters lead at Augusta National.

Dan Spears cautioned against betting or fantasy usage of Justin Thomas at Augusta, given Thomas' struggles with slow starts in recent tournaments. Despite impressive individual low rounds such as a 62 at The Players, Thomas has experienced difficulty getting off to solid Thursday rounds over the last two months, a potentially disastrous pattern at Augusta.

Dan Spears advised backing Tom Kim as a longshot for the Masters, primarily due to expected good weather at Augusta during Masters week. Kim has demonstrated comfort under those conditions, notably evidenced by his recent Masters performance, including a final-round 66 last year. Spears sees Kim as a strong sleeper play given his steady Masters record in ideal conditions.

Dan Spears picked Collin Morikawa as his choice for Masters champion, citing Morikawa's extremely consistent 2025 performance as key. Morikawa has frequently been in contention this year, providing Spears confidence in placing him ahead of other golfers, despite the sentimental pick of Rory McIlroy. Spears sees Morikawa’s consistent elite-level play as a safer option to lead fantasy and betting picks this week.