Pop star and huge Cincinnati Reds fan Nick Lachey said today is: "A moment of truth."

The Reds and San Francisco Giants are tied 2-2 in their baseball divisional series with the deciding game at 1 p.m. at home in Cincinnati.

"It's time to see what they are really made of," said Lachey, the 98 Degrees singer. "Hopefully, we'll get to go to the next round. It's been a good year no matter what."

This week, Lachey, who grew up in Cincinnati, sang the national anthem at the Reds' home playoff opener, and he said it was a dream come true.

"Growing up a lifelong Reds fan, it was a big deal to me," he said. "It definitely was a great moment."

Lachey is working with Tide on a promotional campaign and spent a few minutes talking with Playbook.

What's your involvement with an NFL campaign?

"I know we were talking about baseball, but I'm a huge football fan also. I love the NFL and the Bengals. As part of its sponsorship of the NFL, Tide is launching an online photo campaign called 'Show Us Your Colors,' which will give one lucky fan the chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. I remember growing up watching the Bengals with my dad. I love sharing those memories, and I now get to do that with my son, Camden."

You mentioned the Super Bowl. What about your Bengals?

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Well, you never know. The way the NFL is looking this year, it's all about parity. Teams we thought would dominate, like the Packers, are struggling. It's wide open. The Bengals have as good a chance as anybody."

Your brother was kicked off "Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars" this week. What was your reaction?

"I was obviously disappointed, knowing how hard he worked for that show. I know he was disappointed he couldn't stay longer. At the same time, it's the nature of the show. With the stiff competition and the all-star cast, there was a decent chance you were not going to win the whole thing. I know he's disappointed. But I'm proud of how he did and what he put into it."

You and he were part of 98 Degrees. When are you guys going to put out new music?

"That's in the cards. We're talking about that right now. We hope to get into the studio and possibly go on a tour next summer."

What's it like being a dad?

As a guy, we always think we know how things are going to be. This experience is so much more. It's been awesome to watch him grow up, even in the four short weeks. Did you see that Bengals onesie I put on him? That's our together time. Those are the great father-son moments I'll always remember."