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PGA picks: Spieth pleases rowdy Phoenix Open crowd with strong play

Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's Super Bowl weekend for the NFL, which means the PGA Tour makes its annual stop in Phoenix for the loudest event on the schedule.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a stark contrast to usual Tour events, as organizers encourage fans to get rowdy and be loud at most holes.

Hideki Matsuyama has dominated the event in recent years, winning the past two tournaments and finishing second and fourth in his other starts. Despite that track record, he's not among the players to bet this week.

Favorite to watch (odds less than 25-1)

Jordan Spieth

While he's yet to win the Phoenix Open, Spieth has been very successful at the event, boasting a sizzling 68.13 scoring average. The talented Texan has finished in the top 10 in both of his starts at TPC Scottsdale, and should be well-rested for this one, having taken time off since the Sony Open. Look for Spieth to get his first win in over six months with a standout performance on Super Bowl Sunday.

Odds to win: 8-1
Top-5 odds: 11-5

Second tier (odds 25-1 or greater)

Zach Johnson

Johnson is quietly off to a hot start in 2018 with a 14th-place finish at the Sony Open and a 20th at the CareerBuilder Challenge. While the 41-year-old may not fit the bomber profile that usually succeeds around TPC Scottsdale, he's finished in the top 14 in each of the last three starts on the track. At 40-1, the veteran is worth a wager for a strong week.

Odds to win: 40-1
Top-5 odds: 10-1

Long shot (odds 50-1 or greater)

Adam Hadwin

The Canadian has performed well at the club in the past, notching a 17th-place showing in 2016 and a 12th-place finish in last year's event. Hadwin showed well at the CareerBuilder Challenge in the desert two weeks ago, finishing third, and a similar setup this week should be a good sign.

Odds to win: 70-1
Top-5 odds: 15-1

Super long shot (odds 80-1 or greater)

Russell Henley

Henley hasn't played since missing the cut at the Sony Open, but did fire a 67 in his final round at Waialae Country Club, presumably putting the former Georgia star in a positive mood heading into the Phoenix Open. The 28-year-old finished 16th in last year's event and that familiarity should help him contend this time around.

Odds to win: 80-1
Top-5 odds: 13-1

Hit this bet, buy a car (odds 125-1 or greater)

Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau is among the best drivers on the PGA Tour, ranking 14th this season in strokes gained off the tee. That will play well around TPC Scottsdale, but the talented 24-year-old will have to get dialed in with his irons to contend. DeChambeau ranks 58th in strokes gained on approach, and he'll have to improve on that to compete. With 150-1 value on a guy who's previously won on Tour, though, he's worth a wager.

Odds to win: 150-1
Top-5 odds: 28-1

Last week's results

Rickie Fowler: MC
Ollie Schniederjans: MC
Charley Hoffman: T-35
Chesson Hadley: T-23
Nick Watney: T-58

Record for year (4 events)

Wins: 2 (Dustin Johnson 15-2, Jon Rahm 8-1)
Top 5: 3

(Odds courtesy: Bodog)
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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