Farmers Insurance Open

Each week during the official PGA Tour season, CBSSports.com's Steve Elling identifies nine players to watch in three distinct categories -- favorites, tweeners and long shots. The picks are based on a combination of homework, guesswork and just plain instinct. Odds cited courtesy of Golfodds.com and Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.

At Pebble Beach, California, par 72.

Favorites
	Nick Watney Northern California kid hits it a mile and won at Torrey in 2009. In fact, he’s about as solid as it gets in San Diego, finishing T9 and T6 in the two years since he won. Seems seriously primed for a big year after two wins in 2011. Odds: (15/1)
	Ben Crane To think that, for a while, Crane thought he might need shoulder surgery in the offseason, but doctors ultimately advised against it. Crane won here two years ago and was in penultimate group last week in Palm Springs. Underrated player. Odds: (25/1)
	Bubba Watson Tread lightly. You have been warned. The defending Torrey champ has the alternate-year mojo working, recording top 10s and a win in the odd-numbered years, and forgettable results and a missed cut in the even years. Odds: (25/1)

Under the Radar
	Ernie Els Don’t laugh. Els mustered a not-so-grand total of one top-10 in the States last year, so he is definitely under the radar. However, he lost last weekend in a playoff in South Africa, where he showed flashes of his old self. Odds: (30/1)
	Charles Howell III Howell has a terrific track record at Torrey, except in terms of winning. He nearly won in 2005, but his wedge shot from 96 yards to win on the last hole bounced out of the cup and rolled into the greenside lake. Odds: (25/1)
	Brandt Snedeker Since his first trip to Torrey, Snedeker found something he liked, as he threatened to shoot 59 on the North Course. In five trips, he has three top-10 finishes and was in the weekend mix last week in Palm Springs. Odds: (25/1)

Dark Horses for Courses
	D.A. Points Not the sexiest of picks, but Points seems to have figured out the California coast, finishing T9 and fifth in his last two Torrey appearances. He won at seaside Pebble just a few days later. Odds: (40/1)
	Marc Leishman Former rookie of the year hasn't won in the States, but he has terrific report card at Torrey, where he has never missed a cut and finished T9 and T2 over the past two years. Odds: (60/1)
	Kevin Sutherland Native Californian has four top-10s at Torrey, but he missed most of last season with neck and back injuries and his form remains open to question. Has never missed a cut in 16 appearances at Torrey. Won't win, but could place. Odds: (No line)