Tensions will be running high among the PGA Tour players at the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic, which tees off Thursday in Detroit. The top players in the field include FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay and 3M Open winner Tony Finau, and they won't need to worry too much about FedEx Cup points. But several notable players are on the bubble and trying to crack the top 125 to make the field for the playoff opener in two weeks. They include Webb Simpson, who sits in 125th, as well as fan favorites like Jason Day (127th) and Rickie Fowler (132nd). Cantlay is sixth in the standings and comes in as the tournament favorite, but he will have to contend with several up-and-coming stars looking for a first PGA Tour win, including Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young.
Cantlay is the 10-1 favorite in Caesars Sportsbook's latest 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic odds. Finau (12-1), Zalatoris (14-1) and Young (16-1) also should be right in the mix. Max Homa (22-1) and defending Rocket Mortgage champion Cam Davis (28-1) are the only other golfers shorter than 35-1 in the Rocket Mortgage Classic 2022 field.
Will Cantlay's quest to defend his FedEx Cup title propel him to success this week and make him a worthy pick for your 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic Fantasy golf picks? Could Simpson (40-1) get the most out of his game this week to position himself for the playoffs and put you in a good spot to win with your picks? Before you make any Fantasy golf rankings or bets on the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic, be see the Fantasy golf projections from fantasy expert Riley Gates.
Gates is a writer for 247Sports and has covered a range of sports for nearly five years. He has followed golf closely for much longer and has a profound knowledge of the sport. He also knows what it takes to win, on the course and in fantasy sports.
Gates has been crushing his golf picks all season. He nailed the Open Championship, going with Cameron Smith among his outright winners despite many experts writing off the Australian. "There is some concern here after how he played in the U.S. Open," Gates said before the historic event at St. Andrews. "But Smith was solid in the other two majors this year. ... The value is certainly there."
And before last week's 3M Open, the expert touted Emiliano Grillo (50-1) as one of his top long shots and also backed Sungjae Im despite his terrible recent run.
Grillo was priced at just $7,600 on DraftKings, while Im was listed at 18-1 in Caesars Sportsbook's odds. They finished in a tie for second, and Fantasy players who picked Grillo and bettors who backed Im for a solid finish cashed in huge.
Now, Gates has ranked his top golfers for the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic, and you'll really want to see what he has to say. You can only see his Fantasy golf rankings and Rocket Mortgage Classic picks at SportsLine.
2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic Fantasy golf expert picks
One player Gates isn't hesitating to back this week is Cantlay, who doesn't bring great value but will help you win. The 30-year-old doesn't have a stroke-play victory this season but won the Zurich alongside Xander Schauffele. He also has finished in the top three in three tournaments and comes off a strong showing in Scotland. Cantlay tied for fourth at the Scottish Open and finished T-8 at the Open Championship, and his well-rounded game should play well in Detroit.
On the other hand, the expert is fading Riley, whose habit of contending nearly every week seems to have come to an end. The 25-year-old appeared on the verge of getting his first win several times, finishing in the top three in three events earlier this summer. But he finished T-64 at the Travelers then missed the cut at the 3M Open. His short game has left him, and he isn't a strong enough putter to make up for it. Riley has shot 71 or higher in six of his past 10 rounds.
How to set your 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic Fantasy golf rankings
For the year's Rocket Mortgage Classic, Gates is touting a player for fantasy rosters who is overlooked based on his recent play and knowledge of this course. This golfer posted an excellent finish in Detroit last year, and his confidence is as high as it's been all season. He could make some noise in this weaker field and give you excellent value for your Rocket Mortgage Classic 2022 lineup. You can find out who it is and see the rest of Gates' Rocket Mortgage Classic fantasy golf picks at SportsLine.
Who wins the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic, and who are the top players to target for your Fantasy picks? Which overlooked players can help you win your league this week? Visit SportsLine now to get Riley Gates' Fantasy golf rankings for the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic, all from the fantasy expert who has been on fire with his picks, and find out.
