Agreed. Of this year’s cast: Hilaria, Elaine and Whitney all have extensive dance experience. They all tried to make it as a dancer at one point. Alix also has experience to some degree.
I suppose if they have 3 contestants with previous dance experience then there isn't
one in particular that will be the ringer. There still is a competition, even if only between them.
However, as we've seen in previous years, we can't, as yet, rule out Baron, the basketball player. They often do really well after several weeks of practice. And Britt is so tiny, she can have Baron toss her up in the air a few times, the way Daniella usually has her partners do.
Speaking of Daniella, she has proven to be a very shrewd choreographer and teacher. She has been given another tall guy, whom she can teach to whip her around the dance floor. Plus, he's good looking. so we will keep him around as shirtless eye candy for as long as possible.
Robert is a high energy favorite. He brings such light and joy with him. He's delightful to watch. He's got determination to have a win like Bindi.
While there is always a large group of voters who always for the best dancers, there have been times where the fan favorite wins.
I think, right now, there are several that can win the mirror ball. So, it will actually be a good competition once the lesser dancers go. And this season, the two new pros, Ezra & Jan, will likely prove they really lack teaching ability and their stars, Jen and Jordan may go early.
Jordan may stick around as there are many, many Olympic fans. But, so far, Jordan seems a little prissy to me.

If others feel the same way, along with Ezra's inexperience teaching, she may not stick around like her fellow teammates did.
Alix also has experience to some degree.
She's too stiff in the core. I don't think even Val can fix that in the time they have. But her IG followers will keep her around as long as they can.
These are just my opinions. Everyone feel free to
disagree.
