NFL lines and odds Week 9: Cowboys vs. Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons may be the only undefeated team left in the NFL, but oddsmakers are giving the Dallas Cowboys a fighting chance at an upset in this Sunday night's matchup at the Georgia Dome.

The bookies have Atlanta, sitting at 7-0 after a 30-17 demolishing of the Philadelphia Eagles, as a three- to four-point favorite over the 3-4 Dallas. The spread comes despite the fact that the Cowboys fell into a big hole last week against the New York Giants that they were unable to climb out of, eventually losing, 29-24. Moreover, Dallas is just 3-4 against the spread; last week, the Cowboys were three-point underdogs to New York, ultimately losing by five. But Dallas is 3-1 against the spread on the road, compared to Atlanta's 1-2 mark at home.

Despite Atlanta's high-powered offense and the struggles by Tony Romo and the Dallas offense, the oddsmakers expect a close contest. The Cowboys' stingy defense is one likely reason why, as Dallas has held teams to 187 yards through the air and just over 100 yards on the ground per contest. Against the Giants, Dallas' secondary kept Eli Manning to 192 yards on 15-of-29 passing, and shut down top wide receiver Victor Cruz, who had just two catches for 23 yards. Dallas will have its hands full with MVP candidate Matt Ryan and the dynamic receiver duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White.

Oddsmakers are also predicting a high-scoring affair, with the over/under for the game set at 47.5.