Will Cheney projected J.J. Spaun as the surprise Thursday leader at the 2025 Masters, citing Spaun's recent penchant for low opening-round scores this year. Specifically, Spaun produced rounds of 64 at Cognizant Classic and 66 at The Players Championship, each resulting in runner-up finishes; Cheney anticipates similar early fireworks at Augusta National.

Will Cheney forecasted that Justin Thomas will continue his disappointing trend at Augusta National and miss the Masters cut again this year. Despite a top-10 finish at Augusta in 2022, Thomas has struggled substantially since, missing the Masters cut in each of the last two seasons. Cheney expects these struggles to persist this week as well.

Will Cheney identified Akshay Bhatia as a substantial value play and longshot candidate for the Masters, feeling that his recent play has gone under the radar. Bhatia has already achieved three top-10 finishes in 2025, notably finishing T3 at The Players Championship. Cheney expressed surprise at the lack of attention Bhatia received heading into the Masters, suggesting bettors and fantasy managers could find significant upside here.

Will Cheney picked Rory McIlroy to finally capture his elusive career grand slam at the 2025 Masters Tournament, highlighting McIlroy's exceptional recent form, including a victory at the Players Championship. Cheney believes McIlroy is entering Augusta playing some of the best golf of his career, perfectly positioning him to overcome past setbacks—especially the infamous Masters meltdown in 2011.