Deutsche Bank Championship Preview, Picks & Analysis

I GIVE up trying to keep up with or make sense of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Before the Barclays teed off, we were told that Jason Day and Dustin Johnson were both extremely unlikely starters, and yet both men were there for their tee times on Thursday. And Day only went and won the thing.

The top 125 players were meant to be in action at Plainfield Country Club, with the field being whittled down to 100 for this week's Deutsche Bank Championship. So what happened? Five of those top 125 decided not to play, while another, Erik Compton, had to withdraw on health grounds. Given that Compton has been the recipient of two heart transplants, we wish him well and hope to see him back in action soon.

But when you consider the heartbreak at the Wyndham Championship as players realised they had finished outside the top 125 and failed to retain their playing privileges, then the likes of Rory McIlroy, who gave the Barclays a miss, have much to answer for. If he wasn't going to play then the man in 126th place should have given an invitation to take part.

Quite apart from anything else, Rory's non-appearance did nothing for your correspondent's tipping statistics.  Oh yes, and why on earth could Jordan Spieth lose his number one ranking when McIlroy wasn't even playing?

That's my rant over, and so we move on to event number two in the playoffs, the Deutschebank Championship at TPC Boston - and once again, the following assumes that all those who are eligible to play will actually do so.

McIlroy will return to action fresh and raring to go after a break since the US PGA championship - and believe me when I tell you that he will want ensure that he keep his number one ranking the right way - and that is by winning. The Northern Irishman has played well here before, and I fully expect him to do so again. He will not have enjoyed Spieth's domination of the majors in 2015 - two wins, a runner-up finish and fourth at The Open, albeit just one shot adrift of the three men who contested the playoff. Mind you, if Day plays in Boston there is a possibility that he, too, could top the world rankings.

Justin Rose began last week with a 77 but then played quite brilliantly. He said that he felt exhausted, although how you hit scores of 65 and 63 in successive rounds when you are knackered is beyond my comprehension. It sounded like he was getting his excuses in early and will not be playing in the Deutschebank.

The venue this week ought to suit Bubba Watson, and I have a feeling that Matt Kuchar is ready for a great four days. I also  have a feeling in my water for Spencer Levin. The American only got into the playoffs thanks to a good finish at the Wyndham and he played at the Barclays like a man with a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. Could he be this season's Bill Horschel?

Deutsche Bank Picks & Betting Tips

To win: Rory McIlroy. He really wants to win the FedEx Cup

Each way: Spencer Levin. Can go out and enjoy himself

Each way: Jordan Spieth. Two bad weeks on the trot? Not a chance

Deutsche Bank Fantasy Picks

Rory McIlroy. Would you bet against him?

Spencer Levin. Go get them Spencer

Jordan Spieth. Wants his No1 ranking back

Justin Thomas. His target will be to get to the Tour Championship

Matt Kuchar. Long overdue a victory

Jason Day. What a player. What a season

Bubba Watson. Certain to thrill the fans

Ryan Palmer. Would love to win for his late father

Dustin Johnson. Needs a big finish to the season

Jim Furyk. There's life in the old dog yet