The Scotsman has extra motivation after being omitted by Darren Clarke, although others are also primed for a successful weekend in the FedEx Cup
Winner: Rory McIlroy – {ODDS:104839426:11/1}
It has been a disappointing season for McIlroy, with just one European Tour win to date.
The Northern Irishman was on a strong run of form before a disappointing US PGA Championship, though, with four top-fives in five events, including that sole victory at the Irish Open.
Although he finished nine shots off the pace when tying for 31st at the Barclays, it was a much-improved outing before a final-round 73 saw him close on level par.
McIlroy has had success at the Deutsche Bank before, winning the event in 2012 by a single stroke and tying for fifth two years ago.
The top-ranked player in shots gained off the tee this year, he can dominate this course with the driver.
Top-five finish: Rickie Fowler – {ODDS:104839283:5/1}
Fowler somehow suddenly finds himself outside of the USA’s automatic Ryder Cup spots following a dramatic collapse at the Barclays.
The world No. 8 led after 54 holes, but a final round of 74 saw him fall out of contention and finish tied for seventh.
A disappointing result, clearly, but Fowler – ranked sixth in total shots gained this year – is good enough to win and earn a wildcard spot at the Ryder Cup.
The 27-year-old ranks in the top 10 for shots gained off the tee and around the green, he should go close.
He is also putting well at the moment – his run of 203 holes without a three-putt is currently the longest streak on the PGA Tour.
Top-10 finish: Billy Horschel – {ODDS:104839282:4/1}
Like McIlroy, Horschel has been successful at this course before.
The American came second in the 2014 Deutsche Bank, and was in position to tie the lead or win on the 18th before shanking his approach shot and falling out of contention.
That was part of a stunning run of results, as he followed up the tied-second finish with consecutive wins in the BMW and Tour Championships.
Horschel is again finding form at the right time of the year, too, tying for fifth at the Wyndham Championship and 13th at last week’s Barclays.
Longshot: Russel Knox – {ODDS:104839572:66/1}
Not the longest of longshots, admittedly, but at these odds Knox is an excellent outsider.
Having missed out on a Ryder Cup wildcard spot, the Scot will be the most determined man at TPC Boston this weekend.
“I’ve never wanted to prove someone wrong so badly in my life,” he said after being left out of Darren Clarke’s team for Hazeltine.
Knox has been very consistent this season, ranking sixth in greens in regulation percentage.
The 31-year-old also beat a strong field to win the Travelers Championship last month – just the second victory of his career.
First-round leader: Patrick Reed – {ODDS:104839336:33/1}
Reed is carrying some momentum after winning at the Barclays and finishing in the top 15 in six of his last seven starts.
The American ranks seventh in first-round scoring average this year, and should be among the leaders on Friday night.
