Betting freaks know the details. At the end of the Steelers-Chargers game, referee Bob Green explains a crazy lateral play and signals a touchdown for Pittsburgh. Spread beaten. Then he goes under the hood to look at instant replay. He would have been safer staying in the 'hood away from the gang outside.

Green calls off the TD and more than half of America is screaming at him because who cares who won the game as long as the 4-point number was covered - which was not the case anymore.

Comical it wasn't.

Makes you wonder what actually happens when a referee dips out of sight to look at the replay. He probably pops out the cellphone, calls NFL headquarters and asks Mr. Goodell which way to go. Or better, rings that casino (or the local spreadsheet) and asks, `Where's all the money going? Pittsburgh? OK, no touchdown.'

Just makes you think.

So how much did you have on the Steelers' ``11-10'' win? Oh, about $10 million. That's what one Las Vegas sports bookmaker said was wagered on this disaster, with most of the dough riding on the Steelers to cover the 4 points.

The next day, the NFL says the ref was wrong, mutters something about adjusting instant replay, and all is well. Slap me silly with a Terrible Towel.

As my Uncle Mike used to say every NFL Sunday, ``It's fixed. Don't worry about it. It's all fixed.''

Aren't too sure games are fixed, but ridiculousness like Sunday gets people on a pulpit to rant their case, that's for sure.

Life Without Tom, Week 12:

Patriots (+1) at Miami - A year ago, this was a joke game. Now, just cover the tight end, will ya! Pats, 24-17.

Play is under review:

Houston (+3) at Cleveland - The Texans say starting QB Matt Schaub will be out more than the diagnosed 2-4 weeks. So? Browns, 27-22.

Buffalo (-3) at Kansas City - At one time, Bills fans were circling this game as a victory. Now they're just circling it as a quandary. Chiefs, 24-20.

N.Y. Jets (+5 1/2) at Tennessee - Now that the Jets have wrapped up the AFC East, a win against the mighty Titans clinches a bye. Titans, 23-10.

San Francisco (+10) at Dallas - They're all fired up in San Fran. ``We beat the Rams! We beat the Rams!'' Cowboys, 33-13.

Tampa Bay (-8) at Detroit - Not fair to pick on the Lions anymore. Why? They're shooting for NFL perfection. Bucs, 28-24.

Philadelphia (+1) at Baltimore - Any team that puts their fans through the misery of a tie game against the Bengals deserves a beating. Ravens, 17-10.

Chicago (-8) at St. Louis - Keep your head up, Detroit. The Rams are in the running for the worst team in Football, even with two wins. Bears, 20-9.

Minnesota (+2 1/2) at Jacksonville - To Jags coach Jack Del Rio, get the tombstone ready. R.I.P. Vikings, 17-16.

Carolina (+1) at Atlanta - Hard to believe the Panthers are 8-2. But then hard to believe the Falcons. Panthers, 23-19.

Oakland (+9) at Denver - The Raiders haven't scored an offensive touchdown in 13 quarters and remain very much offensive. Broncos, 30-6.

Washington (-3 1/2) at Seattle - Only going to say this once, the Redskins are nowhere near being good, nevermind playoff caliber. Seahawks, 16-14.

N.Y. Giants (-3) at Arizona - New strategy: Instead of going against the Giants, pick 'em, meaning they won't cover. Does it make sense? Giants, 27-20.

Indianapolis (+2 1/2) at San Diego - Search and destroy. Shock and awe. Shoot on sight. Just bury the Chargers for good. Colts, 29-17.

Green Bay (+2 1/2) at New Orleans - Hey, Saints, what are you doing in the NFC South? Get in the North with all those other 5-5 nobodies. Saints, 37-30.

Last week: 5-10.

Season: 70-81-4.

- jlazar@bostonherald.com