The highly anticipated 2024 Masters is set to kick off at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, April 11, marking the start of golf's major season. With an elite field of top golfers from around the world, expectations are high for an exciting tournament.

Leading the pack in the 2024 Masters odds is Scottie Scheffler, the current world No. 1-ranked player. Scheffler has been in excellent form, securing two wins and a runner-up finish in his last three PGA Tour starts. With odds of 13-4, he is the favorite to win the prestigious green jacket.

However, one notable prediction from golf expert Sia Nejad is his decision to fade four-time major champion Rory McIlroy. Despite being a top favorite in the 2024 Masters odds and boasting an impressive 24 career victories on the PGA Tour, McIlroy has yet to secure a win at Augusta National. Nejad highlights McIlroy's inconsistent recent form, finishing outside the top 10 in five of his last six starts on the tour. Therefore, Nejad believes it's not wise to back McIlroy.

Instead, Nejad has turned his focus to Hideki Matsuyama, a +2000 longshot in the odds. Matsuyama has been displaying exceptional golf in recent weeks, finishing 12th or better in his last four PGA Tour starts. His notable achievements include a victory at the Genesis Invitational and a seventh-place finish at the Valero Texas Open. Moreover, Matsuyama has a strong track record at the Masters, having clinched the title in 2021, making history as Japan's first male major champion. Nejad sees Matsuyama as a strong contender given his recent performances and his success at Augusta National in the past.

Nejad's expertise in betting and daily fantasy sports has garnered him impressive results. Since last year's Charles Schwab Challenge, he has had a profitable run with his head-to-head matchups, boasting a record of 35-21-2 and providing a $1,000 profit for $100 bettors.

As fans eagerly await the start of the 2024 Masters, Nejad's picks and predictions add to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the event. With a diverse field of golfing talent, it will be interesting to see who ultimately emerges victorious at Augusta National this year.

For more in-depth analysis and Nejad's complete list of picks, enthusiasts can visit SportsLine to stay up to date with the latest 2024 Masters odds and expert insights.