Will 'Amazing Race' Season 30 Stars Henry Zhang And Evan Lynyak Win?

There is one big disadvantage that is standing in Henry Zhang and Evan Lynyak's way when it comes to them potentially winning Season 30 of "The Amazing Race." However, it'd still be foolish to count the Yal debate champions out of the running for $1 million.

Though there are definitely some challenges ahead for Team Yale as they head to the final two legs in Hong Kong and San Francisco, it doesn't mean that they aren't just as likely to win the $1 million prize in the end as some of their remaining competitors. Here's a look at the reasons why they could win, and the things that are standing in the pair's way which could affect their chances.

Pros

They're Smart

In case it was unclear and you missed the memo throughout the season, Henry and Evan are smart. They graduated from Yale, and it's obvious. The two have been able to use their brains in a way the other teams haven't, which could be an advantage going in to the final, provided they don't ever wind up overthinking things.

They Have No Alliances And Can Work Independently-

Henry and Evan have been clear from the beginning that they want to work independently of the other teams whenever possible, which is something they have in fact done. Outside of occasionally partnering up with someone else during a roadblock (a rare occurrence), and the Partner Swap, they have worked entirely by themselves throughout the race. This is an advantage in the final leg because they have no alliances weighing them down. While the other teams have all been in a small alliance with one another throughout the race, they will all have to adjust to the concept of working independently in the final legs, which is when alliances are all called off. However, Henry and Evan don't have to adjust, because they've already been doing that.

They Have A History of Coming Back From The Bottom

Though they have to complete a Speed Bump after being spared from elimination in the last leg, it doesn't immediately mean that Henry and Evan are out of the running. The two have come back from the bottom before, most notably after nearly facing elimination during the first head-to-head challenge in Leg 2. In fact, they came from the bottom and won the next leg, which proves they're tenacious, and shouldn't be considered as out of the running just because they're currently down.

Cons

They Have A Speed Bump

Of course, being so tenacious doesn't mean they are guaranteed a place in the final leg. Though Speed Bumps usually aren't time-consuming and difficult tasks, having to complete one at this late stage of the game could be catastrophic. Seeing as the rest of the Racers can continue on with other tasks while they complete that one, there is a time advantage the other teams could have. Depending on how far behind they could be at the start of the leg, any extra time taken away from them could be detrimental.

They Haven’t Been Consistent Performers

Henry and Evan have been all over the place when it comes to their performance on the race. Though they haven't been at the bottom often, they have been there a few times. They've also been at the top and in the middle. Their performance isn't something that's indicative of where they could place, something that most other teams, including all the ones they're currently battling against, have been. Even teams that have shockingly won at the end of a season have been consistent underdogs before winning. Henry and Evan have not been genuinely consistent underdogs, consistent middle-of-the-packers or consistent top performers. That makes it seem less likely that they could win.

Their Independence Could Also Be A Drawback

Though their ability to work independently of the other teams is something that can be an advantage, it's also something that could hurt them in the end as well. If they need any sort of help or assistance from other teams in the final legs, they won't receive it. They alienated Jessica when Evan refused to help her and Kristi out during the Partner Swap, and she and Cody won't want to give them any help now as a result. Because Kristi and Jen and Alex and Connor are both aligned with them, it would likely mean they wouldn't give them a hand either.

Will Henry and Evan beat the odds and win Season 30 of "The Amazing Race?" Tune in on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. EST on CBS to find out.