NFL Thursday Night Football Schedule & Predictions: Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears [POLL]
The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears will play each other on Thursday night at 8:25 p.m. EST
Both teams failed to make the postseason last year, but the Cowboys are having a bounce back season at 8-4.
Last season, the Bears annihilated the Cowboys 45-28 in a Week 14 game at Soldier Field. The Cowboys would love nothing more than to return the favor on the national stage. It hasn't been a great year for the Bears so far, but you can never count them out in a December home game.
Let's see which team has the edge in tonight's game:
Dallas Cowboys (8-4)
The Cowboys are 8-4 after 12 games of play. Last week, the Cowboys lost to their division rival Philadelphia Eagles, 33-10 at home. Everyone is waiting for the Cowboys to do their annual December collapse, but this squad is out to prove the doubters wrong.
Tony Romo leads the No. 8 ranked offense in the NFL with his 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Naturally, Dez Bryant has been his favorite target this season with a team-leading 67 catches and 952 yards. Terrance Williams has been a big surprise this year with 482 receiving yards. Tight end Jason Witten is aging, but he continues to make key third down receptions.
The biggest reason the Cowboys have eight wins is because of DeMarco Murray and the successful rushing attack. Murray leads the league with 1,427 rushing yards so far this season.
Although the Cowboys don't have an elite defense, they have been playing a lot better than last season. Last year's Cowboys defensive unit was the third worst in NFL history, but this season the Cowboys rank 16th overall in points allowed.
The best, or maybe worst thing with the Cowboys this season, has been their home and road play. The Cowboys are the only remaining undefeated team this season on the road with a perfect 5-0 record. Somehow, someway the Cowboys are just 3-4 at home this season.
Chicago Bears (5-7)
It's been a pretty disappointing season for the "Monsters of the Midway."
The Bears franchise has always taken great pride in having a strong defense, but things have changed in Chicago. The Bears' defense currently ranks 30th in points allowed and 26th in yards given up. The Bears also rank 30th in pass defense.
Despite having quality offensive players such as Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte, the Bears just haven't found their way. The Bears' offense ranks a disappointing 21st in points scored and 20th in yards gained. Head coach Mark Trestman is certainly on the hot seat.
The Bears have made the postseason just once since 2007.
This will be a tough game for the Bears, as the Cowboys have a well-balanced offense. The Bears have to contain Murray and may even blitz Romo throughout the game. A lot of Bears fans have lost faith in Cutler, but he's still a good quarterback who has thrown 24 touchdowns this season. The Bears have be able to control the clock and keep their defense off the field.
Thankfully for Chicago fans, the Blackhawks and Bulls are looking good so far in their respective sport.
Schedule, Where to Watch
The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears will play each other on Thursday night at 8:25 p.m. EST on the NFL Network. The game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. You can view a live game stream here.
Predictions
The Bears need to win this game to regain confidence in their fans, but the Cowboys are the ones fighting for a playoff spot. Even though the Cowboys have to travel to Chicago, they seem to play better on the road this season. In the end, the Bears defense just won't have an answer for the Cowboys offense.
Cowboys win 31-28
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