Dennis Esser identifies Kevin Yu ($6,300) as an intriguing Masters sleeper based on strong recent ball-striking; he has gained over 4.1 strokes tee-to-green in five of his last six tournaments. Despite struggling with his putter, Yu's consistent form and multiple top-18 finishes suggest he's undervalued and could surprise in his Augusta debut.

Dennis Esser supports playing Corey Conners ($7,900) in DFS lineups, citing remarkable consistency tee-to-green (over 6.8 strokes gained in each of his last four tournaments). Conners notably had three consecutive top-10 finishes at Augusta from 2020-2022, greatly bolstering confidence he can once again linger atop the leaderboard thanks to recent improvements in putting performances.

Dennis Esser spotlights Denny McCarthy ($6,500) a viable DFS option due to his scorching recent putting (gaining over 20 strokes combined across last three tournaments). McCarthy also demonstrated improved iron play recently, gaining over two strokes approach-wise in five of his last six starts, marking him as capable of significantly outperforming salary expectations.

Dennis Esser strongly recommends Sepp Straka in DFS given his standout approach statistics, gaining over four strokes on approach in each of his last four tournaments. Straka enters off a stellar year and already has three made cuts out of three at Augusta, highlighted by gaining over 6.5 strokes tee-to-green in his most recent Masters appearance, positioning him ideally as an exceptional value.

Dennis Esser recommends considering Lucas Glover ($6,600) in DFS, highlighting his exceptional recent form, accumulating over 16.7 strokes tee-to-green in his last two tournaments combined. Glover matched his best Masters finish (T20) last year with strong approach play, making him a high-upside, low-ownership sleeper at this price.

Dennis Esser highlights Russell Henley (+5000), pointing to his Georgia roots and intimate knowledge of Augusta National, having gotten advice from legendary Tom Watson during past Masters preparations. Henley enters on fire, having gained over 5.2 strokes tee-to-green in three consecutive events and winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year. Henley's history at Augusta includes seven straight cuts made and a T4 in 2023, solidifying his potential this year.

Dennis Esser likes Robert MacIntyre (+4500), emphasizing his excellent recent form with four top-11 finishes in his last five starts and consistently strong strokes-gained tee-to-green. Esser particularly likes MacIntyre's fit for Augusta, noting the advantages the course traditionally provides to left-handed golfers who drive the ball well. With two consecutive top-25 finishes at the Masters, MacIntyre seems poised for a breakout on golf's biggest stage.

Dennis Esser backed Xander Schauffele (+2000) despite a slow start to 2025 due to a rib injury. Esser cites Schauffele's significant bounce-back at the Valspar Championship, where he gained over 11 strokes on approach, as proof he is rounding into form just in time for Masters week. Schauffele had a career-defining year in 2024, capturing two majors and cementing himself as an elite player, making Esser confident in his ability at Augusta.

Dennis Esser is bullish on Collin Morikawa (+1400), highlighting Morikawa's outstanding recent strokes-gained numbers from tee-to-green. He gained over 11.6 strokes in each of his last two tournaments and more than 5.7 strokes tee-to-green in each of his last three Masters appearances. Esser notes Morikawa has frequently come close and finally expects him to find another gear at Augusta, citing his ability to elevate performance during major championships.

Gabby Herzig is confident that although Rory McIlroy enters the 2025 Masters as a hot topic and popular pick, he will ultimately fall short. While acknowledging McIlroy is producing some of the most disciplined golf of his career—demonstrated by victories at both Pebble Beach and a Players Championship this season—Herzig argues Augusta National has consistently produced unpredictable outcomes from McIlroy. Despite McIlroy’s newfound versatility and exceptional form, including mastery of low bulletproof iron shots perfect for windy conditions, Herzig forecasted either a surprising missed cut or painful near-miss on Sunday. She believes it's destined to be another agonizing close call rather than a coveted green jacket for McIlroy this year.

Brody Miller firmly stated Bryson DeChambeau will not win the 2025 Masters, despite recent success at LIV Miami. Miller explained that DeChambeau's general trajectory since his memorable U.S. Open victory has trended downward, exemplified by a mediocre piece of form over numerous LIV events. Although DeChambeau finished T6 at last year's Masters, his broader history at Augusta presents repeated missed cuts and consistently underwhelming placements outside the top-20. Given DeChambeau's recent struggles and uneven Masters record, Miller dismissed his chances definitively.

Hugh Kellenberger expressed skepticism toward Jordan Spieth's chances at the 2025 Masters, specifically questioning Spieth's overly-optimistic betting odds relative to his current form. Spieth, having returned from offseason wrist surgery, has appeared in six events but produced mixed results. Despite two top-10 finishes in weaker fields, his performances in signature events have been far less encouraging. According to Data Golf statistics, Spieth isn't significantly outperforming competitors in driving, approach, short game, or putting. Kellenberger highlighted Spieth's recent Masters struggles, missing the cut two of the past three years, reinforcing doubts about his ability to contend this year as a 'top-5 name with a top-50 game.'

Gabby Herzig identified Will Zalatoris as an appealing long-shot to win the 2025 Masters, despite recent form misleadingly suggesting otherwise. Herzig noted Zalatoris' history at Augusta, finishing second in 2021 and tied for sixth in 2022 prior to surgery-induced struggles in 2023. Even post-surgery, Zalatoris managed a commendable T9 finish in the 2024 Masters. Although ranked No. 63 globally and appearing inconsistent this year, Zalatoris showed significant stretches of elite performance at the Players Championship, reaching second place mid-tournament under extremely challenging, windy conditions. Herzig believes the narrative around Zalatoris masks strong underlying play, making him a clear sleeper whose affinity for Augusta National could finally lead to victory.

Brody Miller highlighted Sepp Straka as a strong long-shot candidate to win the 2025 Masters. Miller pointed out Straka as one of the world's top 10 iron players, emphasizing that this season he's been better than ever. Straka secured a significant win at the American Express in January and has already logged seven top-15 finishes, demonstrating exceptional consistency. Last spring at the Masters, Straka secured a T16 finish, further validating his capacity to excel at Augusta National. Miller cautioned Straka's short-game creativity around the greens as a mild concern, noting he's a below-average player in that crucial area, but maintained that Straka's iron excellence and steady form make him a worthy long-shot at Augusta.