Cowboys, Eagles flying high

The resurgence of the Dallas Cowboys has something to do with quarterback Tony Romo, but it's due mostly to the emergence of wide receiver Miles Austin.

The Cowboys' three-game win streak has coincided with Austin's breakout performances against Kansas City, Atlanta and Seattle. Dallas is second in the NFL in total offense, but its defense ranks 22nd.

Since quarterback Donovan McNabb's return from a rib injury, the Philadelphia Eagles' offense also has been flying higher. McNabb has a surplus of playmakers with wideouts DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and running backs LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook.

Dallas visits Philadelphia in a key NFC East game tonight, and The Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall said all signs are pointing over the total of 49.

Five of the past seven and 11 of 16 series meetings since 2001 went over the total. The Eagles are 6-1 over the total this season, and the Cowboys are 5-2 over.

"Don't expect anything different in this game, not with the Cowboys discovering a new home-run threat in Austin, who is helping the Cowboys spread the field much as Terrell Owens used to do, distorting defenses and opening up the field nicely for Romo," Marshall said.

Dallas has been helped the past two weeks with running back Felix Jones back in the lineup. And Philadelphia expects to have Westbrook available.

The past three in this series at Philadelphia have totaled 50 or more points. Marshall, 6-2 with recommended totals plays this season, highlights technical notes on other Week 9 games:

• Kansas City at Jacksonville: The Jaguars are 2-9 against the spread (ATS) as hosts since last year. Jacksonville has no covers in its past seven games as a home favorite. Edge: Chiefs.

• Green Bay at Tampa Bay: The Packers are 2-0 ATS as road favorites this season and 17-6 ATS in the past 23 on the road. The Buccaneers are 1-6 ATS this season and have dropped six straight ATS at home. Edge: Packers.

• Detroit at Seattle: The Lions are 0-3 ATS away this season. The Lions are 2-1 over the total away this season and 12-3 over in their past 15 on the road. Edge: Seahawks, Over.

• Tennessee at San Francisco: 49ers coach Mike Singletary is 5-1-1 ATS in his past seven at home and 10-3-2 in the past 15 overall. Edge: 49ers.

• San Diego at New York Giants: Chargers coach Norv Turner is 9-3 over the total in the past 12 but 3-6 ATS in the past nine on the road. The Giants are 6-2 over this season. Edge: Giants, Over.

Compiled by Las Vegas Review-Journal sports writer Matt Youmans.