Time to stop NFL betting for a week while the preseason plays itself out. Instead, let’s focus on the PGA’s FedEx Cup Playoffs. The second stop out of four is the Deutsche Bank Championship at the TPC of Boston. The field is reduced to 100. Who are some intriguing picks to consider this week?

Tiger Woods

Obviously, any online betting discussion in golf starts with Tiger. After two straight tournaments in which poor judgment of short putts cost him a win, he’s a wild card. On one hand, you may feel dumb if you bet against a guy with five wins this season and watch him win the Deutsche Bank, a tournament he won in 2006. On the other hand, the Tiger of the last few weeks is one we’ve never seen; his confidence seems shaken. Maybe we should force him to earn back our trust. Bet on someone else this week and see what happens.

Vijay Singh

No one owns this tournament – and this course – like Vijay Singh. Tournament-record aggregate score of 22-under, course record of 61, victories in 2004 and 2008 – you name the accomplishment and Vijay has it. However, he’s had a brutal 2009. He was the defending champ at last week’s tournament, the Barclays, and missed the cut. That doesn’t exactly instill confidence of a repeat, does it? Avoid him; his odds will be better than they deserve to be, so you won’t get the value you should.

Padraig Harrington

Good luck figuring out his mental makeup these days, but Harrington suddenly has three straight top-10s, including two second places, over his last three tournaments. He’s working out the kinks in his swing and is a pretty safe bet to contend among this week’s sports picks.

Steve Stricker

Short off the tee but accurate as can be, Stricker is enjoying by far the best season of his career. He has six top-five finishes and two wins this season on the strength of his consistent ball striking and putting. The TPC of Boston isn’t the shortest course out there but it’s not a monster either, so Stricker shouldn’t be at a disadvantage. If he can overcome the hiccups that seem to plague him on Sundays when he’s paired with other top players, he has a great shot to win.

Betting services recommend: Padraig Harrington