The PGA Tour's flagship event takes place this week with the playing of the 2024 Players Championship. This will be the 50th edition of the tournament held at TPC Sawgrass with the best and brightest on the PGA Tour set to tee it up on the tricky par-72 layout.

Looking to successfully defend his title is the same man who proved victorious last week, Scottie Scheffler. The world No. 1 was in a different class at Bay Hill en route to a five-stroke victory and his second red cardigan in the last three years. Scheffler gained about +5.50 strokes gained putting over the weekend in Orlando and sent a wave of fear throughout the PGA Tour that his putter may have evolved from a weakness to a strength.

If Scheffler putts anything like that this week, he will surely defend his title, but that is still a big if. Rory McIlroy has some question marks around his game as he continues to drive the ball on a string but fails to put his approach shots close. He is listed at +1200, but the general consensus among golf fans and golfers alike is the drop-off after Scheffler is substantial.

Justin Thomas, Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele round out those players listed below +2500. Thomas emerged for a moment as Scheffler's biggest threat Sunday at Bay Hill but faded over the back nine. The 2021 champion has been great to begin his 2024 and looks well on his way to returning to the winner's circle for the first time since 2022 at Southern Hills.

2024 Players Championship odds leaders

• Scottie Scheffler: +550
• Rory McIlroy: +1200
• Justin Thomas: +2200
• Viktor Hovland: +2200
• Xander Schauffele: +2200
• Patrick Cantlay: +2500
• Will Zalatoris: +2500

So which 2024 Players Championship players should you target or avoid? And which player could bring a MASSIVE payday? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Patrick McDonald's best value picks