PGA: Charles Schwab Challenge - Second Round
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Dustin Johnson's amazing run of results came to an end in his last event, but he looks to get back on track when the 2021 Players Championship tees off Thursday at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Johnson tied for 54th at the WGC-Workday Championship, his first finish outside the top 12 in his past 12 events. The world No. 1 will be honing his game to prepare to defend his Masters title next month, and he is listed as the 11-1 favorite in the latest 2021 Players Championship odds from William Hill Sportsbook. Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy are right behind at 14-1.            

But are the big hitters the ones you want for your 2021 Players Championship Fantasy golf picks? Or would a great player on the rebound like Justin Thomas or Jordan Spieth be a better option? Before making any 2021 Players Championship Fantasy golf picks, check out the latest Fantasy golf rankings from data scientist Rick Gehman. 

With his expansive database of golf statistics, course data and betting odds, Gehman creates advanced models and back-tests them constantly. These models have produced 12 outright winners in the past year -- including 30-1 Webb Simpson at the 2020 RBC Heritage, 50-1 Chez Reavie at last year's Travelers and 40-1 Patrick Reed at the Northern Trust among the PGA Tour winners -- plus a $10,000 DraftKings win at The Masters.

At last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, five of Gehman's top 10 picks finished T-10 or better, including DeChambeau. The tour's biggest hitter was one of just three players to break par in the final round to become the first player to win twice on tour this season.

The golf expert also expected Jordan Spieth to continue his progress despite it being his first appearance at Bay Hill, and the three-time major champion was in contention all week before finishing fourth.

Gehman has been on fire all season. At Pebble Beach, three of his top four picks finished in the top five and the Farmers leaderboard looked like a who's who of Gehman's rankings, with five of his top nine picks finishing tied for seventh or better. And at the Sony, the top three in his rankings all finished in the top seven. Anyone who has followed his advice has cashed in huge.

Now, Gehman, co-host of "The First Cut" podcast on CBS Sports, has revealed his top 30 players for the Players Championship 2021 over at SportsLine so you can crush your Fantasy golf picks. 

2021 Players Championship Fantasy golf picks

Johnson's minor setback isn't giving Gehman any second thoughts about backing him this week. The two-time major champion tied for fifth at Sawgrass in 2019, so he has a good feel for the course, and he will be focused as he gears up for Augusta. He leads the tour in scoring average and is second in strokes gained tee-to-green and fifth in driving distance. With a week off to recharge, Gehman likes his chances to return to his standard form.    

Webb Simpson should be refreshed as well, but Gehman isn't quite as sure about his chances this week and is fading him. The veteran has played just four times this calendar year, and while he tied for sixth the WGC-Workday his last time out, he finished T-42 in his previous event, three weeks earlier in Phoenix. His lack of length hinders him, and while he is one of the most accurate players on tour, he seems to have hit a lull, so Gehman isn't biting. 

How to set your 2021 Players Championship Fantasy golf lineups

Notably, Gehman is looking for another step forward from a player making his first appearance at Sawgrass who comes in with odds higher than 50-1. This young golfer's game doesn't have any major flaws, and he always hangs around on the leaderboard. He has the skill to win, and Gehman believes this could be the week he breaks through. Gehman is only sharing who it is, and his top 30 golfers in order, right here. 

Who wins the Players Championship 2021? Who are the top golfers to target? And which overlooked player can help you win your league this week? Visit SportsLine now to get Rick Gehman's Fantasy golf rankings for the 2021 Players Championship, all from the data scientist who's called 12 outright winners in the past year.