PGA Tour: Breaking Down the 5 Favorites for the 2012 FedExCup

Nick Watney eyes put in opener of FedExCup Playoffs en route to victory
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The opener of the FedEx Cup Playoffs at the enormous Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, concluded on Sunday, and there was no shortage of action.

Nick Watney captured the event with a comfortable three-stroke win over Brandt Snedeker.

With the first playoff event over, it's an opportune time to look at the five favorites of the FedEx Cup Playoff race.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods staring down a putt
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Tiger Woods may not have lead the field at Bethpage Black when all was said and done on Sunday, but he does lead the field in the FedEx Cup standings.

You can't bet against Tiger when it comes to the race for the FedEx Cup. He is unquestionably the favorite to win it.

He may not be the old Tiger where any lead was a lock, but he's still better than most, especially when it counts.

Don't forget, Woods won the FedEx Cup in its inaugural season in 2007, so he knows what it takes to win it all again. 

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy looking to capture his first FedEx Cup
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With the second of the four FedEx Cup Playoff tournaments approaching, and Rory McIlroy only 177 points behind Tiger Woods, he is a FedEx Cup favorite.

McIlroy captured the PGA Championship in early August and has even gained the attention and respect from Woods.

So why wouldn't he be a favorite?

This kid can put it all together at any time and can pounce at a moment's notice. 

Jason Dufner

Jason Dufner
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The even-keel Jason Dufner has won twice in 19 events in 2012 and has eight top-10 finishes.

He is not flashy, not a marketing figure and doesn't command humongous gallery followings, but he always seems to be in contention in big moments.

He's only second behind Tiger Woods in the FedEx Cup standings, so look out for Dufner. 

Bubba Watson

Bubba Watson—favorite?
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Bubba Watson is cable of shaping and bombing his way to the 2012 FedEx Cup Championship.

He's had five top-10 finishes this season and, despite a little Masters hangover, he is always a threat as long as the flat stick is working.

Watson has put himself in position to make a push with only three playoff tournaments remaining, he just needs to channel that performance he had back at the Masters.

Ernie Els

Ernie Els a favorite to win the FedEx Cup Playoffs
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After Ernie Els captured The Open Championship this year, he quickly reminded the young folk that he's still around.

Only 822 points behind Tiger in the standings, Els can cut into that lead with a strong performance in the second of the four tournaments in the playoff race.

Els is composed but dangerous and he lingers in the mix of golfers vying for the championship.