Sold on Romo’s scoring ability

Due to the unfortunate popularity of celebrity sightings and tabloid journalism, we have heard that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has dated several attractive women, including Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood.

All that tells me -- as someone who reports on the NFL -- is that Romo is obviously no idiot. If he had spent a weekend partying in Las Vegas with, say, Rosie O'Donnell, then I might care. I would tend to doubt his judgment.

But I'm not questioning Romo, who is emerging as the league's third-best quarterback, or the Cowboys, the league's second-best team.

After a four-game losing streak, the Detroit Lions deserve to be doubted. The Lions are coming off a 32-point loss to the mediocre Minnesota Vikings.

And although I am allergic to big road favorites in the NFL, I'll go with the Cowboys as 11-point favorites at Detroit on Sunday.

In doing some serious research on Romo, I found that his 33 touchdown passes this season set a Dallas franchise record. He throws to some talented receivers, including Terrell Owens, works behind a powerful offensive line and is supported by two good running backs.

New England's Tom Brady is the league's best quarterback, no question. Indianapolis' Peyton Manning is currently No. 2 in my rankings and Green Bay's Brett Favre is in the top four.

Romo outplayed Favre last week, and because of his mobility, Romo might ultimately prove to be more of a playmaker than Manning.

Also of interest is the Cowboys' defense, which is strong up front and puts intense heat on opposing quarterbacks. That defense is also angry with Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, who has been sacked 48 times.

Kitna made derogatory comments about a couple of Dallas defenders last season, and the Cowboys are motivated to make a point to Kitna this week. Not helping matters for Detroit is its top receiver, Roy Williams, is out with a right knee injury.

Romo is on a roll, on and off the field, and Dallas averages 32.9 points per game, second-best in the league. It might not be easy, especially with the Cowboys in a flat spot on the road, but I'll take the NFC's best team against an opponent that is fading fast.

Four more guesses for Week 14 (home team in CAPS):

• Dolphins (+7) over BILLS: This is the definition of an ugly underdog. Miami is 0-12, and its offense has not scored a touchdown in three straight games. But the Dolphins have lost by three points six times. Buffalo has won by more than seven twice.

• PACKERS (-10) over Raiders: Green Bay's defense is getting healthier, with cornerback Charles Woodson and pass-rushing end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila expected to return, and Favre should bounce back from last week's poor showing against Dallas. The Packers' Ryan Grant can rip apart the Raiders' weak run defense.

• TITANS (pick) over Chargers: Tennessee's Jeff Fisher against San Diego's Norv Turner is a coaching mismatch. The Titans' run defense, with tackle Albert Haynesworth back to clog up the middle, can slow LaDainian Tomlinson just enough. Tennessee quarterback Vince Young can get it done against San Diego's shaky defense.

• JETS (+31/2) over Browns: There is no doubt Cleveland has a much better offense, but the Jets did upset Pittsburgh last month and they are getting a field goal and a hook. The line value is with the underdog.

Last week: 3-2 against the spread

Season: 27-34-4

Review-Journal sportswriter Matt Youmans can be reached at 387-2907 or myoumans@reviewjournal.com.