Ever since Europe secured the Ryder Cup two years ago, a question has lingered: How united is the U.S. team? This narrative arose from the chaotic dynamics of the last Ryder Cup, making the appointment of captain Keegan Bradley a surprising choice. How can a seasoned player like him rally teammates against Luke Donald, whose European team is showing solid synergy heading towards Bethpage Black?

The history of the Ryder Cup favors the U.S. as neither team has triumphed on foreign soil since 2012. Can they turn the tide this year or will the Europeans defend their title effectively? Notably, the last American victory at home was a decisive 19-9 win.

According to Caesars Sportsbook, the U.S. team is favored at -150 odds compared to Europe’s +175. Europe only needs 14 points to retain the Cup, but the U.S. must gather 14.5 points to win outright. Noteworthy players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are expected to shine for their respective teams, but the U.S. is introducing four first-time participants, whereas Europe has only one.

The talent disparity is narrower than in previous years; currently, three of the top four players in the competition are from Europe. This situation has increased the pressure and expectation surrounding the tournament, especially for the U.S. team, which has stars and rookies that need to coalesce if they hope to claim victory.

As the tension builds, predictions from CBS Sports experts suggest a close match with plenty of surprises. Players like Cameron Young and Ben Griffin are highlighted as potential breakout stars who could provide the much-needed edge for the U.S.

The stakes are higher than ever, and with a well-balanced lineup, the U.S. aims to defend its home turf. Get ready for an exciting showdown!