I had a nice bounce-back week last week with a 10-4 record.  It looked like I was headed to an 11-win week at halftime on Monday, but Rex Ryan failed me — just like he’s failed his cardiologist.  Such is life.

It looks like a tough week for picks.  Vegas has really tightened things up this week.  I was reading Bill Simmons this week, and he pointed out something I had not realized:  There have been no monumental upsets this year outside of Cincy beating Green Bay.  Yeah, there have been a few surprises but nothing that could be deemed “huge”. 

This week could be brutal.  As always…  Don’t blame me if you’re selling your DVD collection this week to pay your “broker”.

Houston v. CINCINNATI (-4.5)

I know the Bengals have not looked dominant, but they’ve found ways to win.  Right now Houston is finding ways to lose.  I’ll ride the hot team until they let me down.

Detroit v. GREEN BAY (-14)

It’s about time for the Packers to make a statement. 

St. Louis v. JACKSONVILLE (-10)

Man, Vegas is just begging you to take St. Louis.  I’m not falling for it.

Baltimore v. MINNESOTA (-3)

Remember what I said about Baltimore a few weeks back?  Well now it’s coming true.

NY Giants v. NEW ORLEANS (-3)

Toughest game of the week for me.  I may be going with my heart here, but I’ll ride the Saints coming off an open week at home.

CLEVELAND (+14) v. Pittsburgh

Yeah, I don’t know why.  I just wonder what Pittsburgh has in the tank right now.  I suspect they win but I’ll take the Browns to cover.

Carolina v. TAMPA BAY (+3)

Vegas should set up an over/under for total viewers of this game.  I’d say somewhere around 14 seems right.

KANSAS CITY (+6.5) v. Washington

I’ll use the same principle as last week’s Redskins game here:  Two crappy teams, I’ll take the points.

PHILADELPHIA (-14.5) v. Oakland

Why on earth would anyone take Oakland right now?

ARIZONA (+3) v. Seattle

This one looks like another example of Vegas begging.  I’ll take the defending NFC champs.

Tennessee v. NEW ENGLAND (-9.5)

Tough year for Tennessee fans

Buffalo v. NY JETS (-10)

I’ll take the bait on this one.  Buffalo is just awful.

Chicago v. ATLANTA (-3.5)

I almost broke my ankles jumping back on the Falcons bandwagon last week.

DENVER (+3.5) v. San Diego

I cannot go against a team as hot as Denver right now.  Even if this is a must-win game for San Diego.

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Record ATS  –  Week 6: 10-4, Overall: 47-29

And I don’t just mean the second half of games.  Chris Lowe at ESPN.com put together a really nice story on Mighty Mike.  This guy has quickly become one of the most respected Hogs of recent memory.  Very manly

“I don’t take plays for granted because we have so many more weapons this year,” Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of quick-strike guys. You never know when somebody’s going to score, so you better do something with it when you get the ball.”

Michael Smith was able to get some work in the past few days and may play against Florida tomorrow.

The Hogs special teams units hope to carry some positive momentum from last week into The Swamp.

Coach Petrino believes playing “Razorback football” will be enough to beat the #1 Florida Gators.

The Gators are a little banged up on defense heading into Saturday afternoon’s game.

Recruiting is never far from the mind of Auburn head coach Gene Chizik.

It may be hard to tell given the past 3 games, but Rich Brooks likes the way his offensive line has progressed.

Cory Reamer has come a long, long way to earn time on the Crimson Tide defense.

In a very bizarre story, South Carolina has lost one of its starting offensive linemen.

Mississippi fans are putting a list together about how to salvage their season.  I suggest a new coach.

Injuries and inconsistency have left Georgia without a “go to guy” in the backfield.