I honestly dislike my current team in comparison to those past, mostly because I have no USA characters I can get behind.
Current estimations give me a 30-40% chance of getting the title despite HCA. I attribute that to having a slightly weaker team and enthusiasm detriment so i'll have to have to take a risk or 2 but it'll make it more exciting!
I've been 'blessed' to be knocked out early both seasons and managed to get the 'cheap' wins I needed.