Broncos”D’ ought to keep score low

Critics can be tough on NFL quarterbacks. Dallas Cowboys star Tony Romo is finding that out the hard way as he takes shots from all directions.

Romo will get the Denver Broncos' best shot today. The Cowboys are 3-point road favorites over the Broncos, who are 3-0 but hearing how their record got fat on creampuff opponents.

"Denver's critics are pointing to its rather weak early schedule and wins over the sagging Browns and Raiders, but it should be noted that the Broncos did what good teams are supposed to do by throttling the likes of Cleveland and Oakland," The Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall said.

"In retrospect, the season-opening win at Cincinnati should be a real eye-opener about the improved Denver defense that had the Bengals shut out for over 59 minutes."

Marshall is 3-0 with recommended plays on the Broncos under the total this season. He also backed Denver last week in its 23-3 victory at Oakland. Marshall is sticking with the Broncos -- and specifically their defense -- by using under 42 as his top play.

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, 24-12 straight up as an NFL starter, has not thrown an interception, and the Broncos have lost one fumble in three games. Marshall said Denver's sturdy defense and low-risk offense should lead to a close, low-scoring game.

"Lost somewhere in the sudden acknowledgment of Denver's defensive improvement is the fact the offense continues to function in a near mistake-free mode," said Marshall, who outlines technical notes on other Week 4 games:

• Tennessee at Jacksonville: The Titans won and covered both meetings last year, when they were 5-2 against the spread (ATS) as road favorites. Tennessee is 9-3 under the total in its past 12 away. The Jaguars are 1-8 ATS in their past nine at home. Edge: Titans, Under.

• New York Giants at Kansas City: Giants coach Tom Coughlin is 25-7 ATS in his past 32 away. The Chiefs are 3-11 ATS in their past 14 at Arrowhead. Edge: Giants.

• Detroit at Chicago: The Lions covered the past two at Soldier Field and four of five in the series. Detroit is 20-6 over the total in its past 26 on the road. Bears coach Lovie Smith is 3-9 ATS in his past 12 as a home favorite. Edge: Lions, Over.

• St. Louis at San Francisco: Five of the past six in this series went under the total. The Rams are 7-15 ATS in their past 22 games. San Francisco coach Mike Singletary is 8-2-1 ATS in his past 11 and 3-0-1 ATS in the past four at home. Edge: 49ers, Under.