Tony Finau's distance will be neutralized at the short El Camaleon Golf Club.  The world No. 16 player's recent form isn't sharp, which will have him heading home early.

Kevin Kisner will be fueled by his Presidents Cup snub and look to prove to captain Tiger Woods that he's worthy of a spot if Brooks Koepka can't play. He also fits El Camaleon perfectly.

Matt Kuchar is making his first start in nine weeks and returns to the scene of his caddie-tip fiasco. He'll be haunted by his controversial past in Mexico and finish outside the top 30 in his title defense.

This isn't a hope, but a prediction based on 10 withdraws in the last three years at Mayakoba. Jason Day is seemingly always fighting some sort of ailment and the most likely candidate to bow out early. 

Viktor Hovland's PGA Tour career is off to an effortless start. However, he wasn't sharp in Asia, and El Camaleon doesn't suit his game. He will struggle and perhaps miss his first cut as a pro.

Russell Knox is playing great over the last two months and came inside the top 10 in his three prior appearances at Mayakoba. The Scotsman is 28-1 to hoist the trophy.