I thought there was a thread on this already, but for the life of me I can't find it...so I'll start one (again?).
Like JE, I'm a Survivor junkie. I missed the first season, but near the end heard all about the hype. The second season started right after the Super Bowl, and my wife and I watched it. We then watched the next 6 seasons before taking about 3 years off (with our third child), so we missed the year Yul won through Russell's first year. Then we were back and have watched every season, many of which with our three kids (now 21, 19 and 16) who love it. We are all extremely excited about Season 40 and one where it's all former winners.
Obviously, it's an immensely strong group. I mean, they all have won. There are only two people I really wish were there that are not - Cochran and Fabio. Would love to see them replace Nick and either Ben or Adam (probably Ben, because he is only a champion due to Survivor changing their rules at the last minute, and thus stealing a win from Chrissy). But it is what it is.
I look at the players and truly think that anyone could win. I would have to say the smart play would be the get rid of Boston Rob and Sandra as quickly as possible, but at the same time Rob is so good at challenges, and Sandra is so strategic, that getting them in your group would be a good thing. It also hurts that both Rob and Amber are in together, as certainly the group won't let them both make it to a merge. I hope they switch around the tribes alot. And I know there's a second chance to get in, so nobody is really gone, and would be fun to see someone like Rob get back in late in the game.
For now, my money would be on either Jeremy, Tyson, Wendell or Adam for the men, and Natalie, Danni, Sophie, Michelle for the women. And fully excited to see Ethan back. He was a total stud back in Season 3 (the year they all nearly starved to death in Africa).
Bring it on!