It's not a major, so Rickie shouldn't have to worry about shitting the bed today. Definitely competing with Phil as the local favorite, with Phil enjoying a slight edge. Mickelson has won this event 3x... going for his fourth this afternoon.
Based on the history over the past 10 events here, the margin of victory has been one stroke on four occasions. Playoffs have been required on 5 occasions. Mickelson won his last Phoenix Open back in 2013 by 4 strokes to be the lone margin-of-victory exception during that period. I think (?) that was the same year he fired an opening-round 60, which tied his career-low round as a professional.
Rahm, Reavie and Bryson a stroke back at 13-under. Schauffele, Mickelson and Berger two back at -12, and about a half-dozen guys 3 shots back at -11.
The odds are very good that 2-3 guys could be in a playoff come the end of the round. And, FWIW... Mickelson is the only player in contention who has won this event the same weekend the Patriots ended up winning the SB, and oddly enough it was the Patriots vs the Eagles back in 2005.
So although it goes against my nature to root against Phil - I'm sure Sneakylong is! lol