Why should the PGA Tour players be the only ones who get to make money this week? 

Let’s have some fun of our own and see if we can make some as well with The Players Championship predictions! 

 

 

 

The Players Championship 2025 Predictions

TPC Sawgrass is a course that favors accurate drivers as driving distance takes one of the largest falloffs in importance compared to tour average here. Approach play and ball-striking also takes a major leap, specifically from 175 and in, as nearly 60 percent of approach shots will be in these ranges and the ranges from 50 to 150 yards all come in well above tour average. 

While putting still matters for The Players Championship picks, its impact falls more under the “just don’t lose strokes” on the greens as opposed to “need to gain strokes”. Using these factors into our The Players Championship predictions, here are my favorites for the week.

 

 

 

The Players Championship Free Pick Featuring Tommy Fleetwood finishing Top 20 (+115 at DraftKings)

Tommy Fleetwood is one of my favorite The Players Championship picks of the week, and that’s largely because I truly think he has a chance to win it all. Fleetwood is one of the best ball-strikers in the world, currently ranking inside the top 5 over the last 40 rounds.

As a result, he’s consistently picked up strokes both off the tee and on approach in each event dating back to his second-place finish at The Open Championship in July of 2024. What is most promising about Fleetwood is his putter has been on as of late, as he gained strokes with the flat stick at both the Arnold Palmer Invitational as well as the Genesis Invitational.

Fleetwood has consistently performed here, and I’m expecting much of the same this week.

 

 

 

The Players Championship One and Done Pick: Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki is my hands down favorite to win this week. His game is in top form, with his only real struggle so far being the driver. Where Hideki can save himself this week is he just needs to continue to put himself in good scoring positions. 

Last week at the Arnold Palmer, we saw Hideki gain strokes each round with the driver, which is a promising step in the right direction for him. He’s obviously played well this year, with no missed cuts, a win at the season opener at The Sentry, and T25 or better finishes in 5 of his 7 starts. 

He remains one of the best wedge players on the planet, and while I think you can make strong arguments this week for Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, or Russell Henley, I think Hideki has the highest upside at the lowest rank for The Players Championship predictions.

 

 

 

The Players Championship: Aaron Rai (+7000) - Long Shot Pick

Sitting at +7000, The Players Championship Aaron Rai odds are clearly not a favorite in any The Players Championship predictions, but I think he presents the best +EV play in the field. His overall game is in a great spot, with T11th and T4th finishes in his last two starts. He gives us the exact type of player we should be targeting here. 

He’s one of the most accurate drivers on tour (currently 6th among qualified players) and ranks in the top 50 in Strokes Gained Total, Off-The-Tee, Approach-To-Green, as well as Birdie or Better Percentage and Par 4 scoring. He’s a very consistent player, but as a top 20 ball-striker in the world with elite level approach game, I love the potential value to be gained through him this week.

 

 

 

How To Watch The 2025 Players Championship

The 2025 PLAYERS Championship tees off on March 13 and runs through March 16 at TPC Sawgrass. Fans can catch the action live on the following channels and platforms:

  • Thursday-Friday: Golf Channel, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
  • Saturday-Sunday: NBC, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
  • Streaming: Peacock and PGA Tour Live will offer extended coverage, including featured groups and holes.

Check local listings for exact times, as weather delays are always a possibility at this event.

 

 

 

The Players Championship Odds & Betting Lines via DraftKings Sportsbook

Here’s a snapshot of the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook:

  • Scottie Scheffler: +550
  • Rory McIlroy: +1200
  • Xander Schauffele: +1400
  • Collin Morikawa: +1800
  • Sepp Straka: +5000

These lines are subject to change as betting volume picks up closer to the first round. DraftKings also offers prop bets like Top 10 finishes, head-to-head matchups, and whether there’ll be a hole-in-one on the 17th (currently listed at +200 for "Yes"). 

Keep an eye on course conditions—wind and rain could shift the value toward players with strong short games.

 

 

 

How To Get $150 Guaranteed on Any Golfer At DraftKings Sportsbook

New to DraftKings Sportsbook? You’re in luck. Right now, DraftKings is offering a promotion where new users can score $150 in bonus bets. Here’s how to claim it:

  1. Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account using the promo link.
  2. Make a minimum deposit of $5.
  3. Place a qualifying bet of at least $5 on anything, including The Players Championship predictions.
  4. Win or lose, you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets, credited as six $25 bet tokens.

This is a great way to take a shot at Tommy Fleetwood, Hideki Matsuyama, or our long shot pick, Aaron Rai, without risking much of your own cash. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions, as restrictions (e.g., expiration dates on bonus bets) may apply. Register today!