Questions surround Cowboys

Without star quarterback Tony Romo for the foreseeable future, the Dallas Cowboys are in free fall and forced to play Jon Kitna.

The good news for the Cowboys, 1-5 straight up and against the spread, is they host a beat-up Jacksonville team today, and the Jaguars have quarterback concerns of their own. David Garrard is returning from a concussion, but that could be a dicey prospect.

It stands to reason Kitna will play better with a full week of first-team reps under his belt. However, with coach Wade Phillips still managing game situations, let's bring a dose of reality to the situation.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants odds director Tony Sinisi said Kitna is not the main concern with Dallas this week and beyond. The Cowboys are 6½-point favorites over the Jaguars.

"Kitna is functional. It's the Cowboys' collective mindset that is troublesome," Sinisi said. "They were embarrassed on Monday night, have had a defensive meltdown and may be ready to throw in the towel. This is a show-me situation in Dallas."

Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre has been sporting a walking boot on an injured left foot. Does his incredible starting streak actually end at an NFL-record 291 games? Not likely. Either way, the Vikings are in for a fight at New England, which is a 6-point favorite.

"The number reflects Favre's status," Sinisi said. "If he were healthy, this line would have likely been New England minus-3. Even if he goes, you're not sure what you're getting and the money is reflecting that thought process."

After last week's embarrassing effort in a 59-14 home loss to Oakland, it was in the Broncos' best interest to play a game as far away from Denver as possible. London will have to suffice.

The San Francisco 49ers, who flew to England off a loss at Carolina, might get an injection of optimism if quarterback Troy Smith plays well. Coach Mike Singletary has been hesitant to give David Carr a shot.

The line was a pick, but money has made the 49ers 2-point favorites.

Matthew Stafford makes his return for the tough-luck Detroit Lions, who are 2½-point home favorites against Washington and have been receiving plenty of love this past week from professional bettors and the public.

The Lions should get improved play from rookie running back Jahvid Best, who was able to rest an injured turf toe during the team's bye week.

The New York Jets, off a bye, are 6-point home favorites over Green Bay. The Packers have found ways to win close games, but they might be walking into a green hornets' nest. Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis needed the break and should be a major asset covering Green Bay receiver Greg Jennings.

The oddsmakers have made necessary adjustments on the Packers.

"There was such high expectations for both of these teams at the outset of the season," Sinisi said. "The number indicates the Packers' current plight, in terms of health. If this game was played on opening day, the Jets would have been 3-point favorites."

The Pittsburgh Steelers invade New Orleans tonight for a matchup full of intrigue. The Saints are favored by 1½ to 2 points as the line has moved in their favor.

Drew Brees and the Saints have been confounding. The Super Bowl hangover has lingered, but there is simply too much talent in New Orleans to think the Saints won't make their presence felt during the second half of the season.

Brian Blessing, host of Sportsbook Radio on ESPN (1100 AM) and 98.9 FM, can be reached at blessproductions@yahoo.com.