Cowboys vs. Bears NFL Week 14: TV Schedule, Betting Lines, Prediction
By Connor Muldowney
@Connormuldowney
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
TV Schedule: Monday, Dec. 9, 8:40 p.m. ET, ESPN
Stadium: Soldier Field
Weather: High 28, Low 10
Line: Dallas (-1.5)
It has been a tough couple of weeks for the Chicago Bears after they were nearly in the driver’s seat for the NFC North crown. The Bears have since dropped three of their last four games, including two to in-division rivals — something that can’t happen if you’re playing for a division title. Jay Cutler went down with an injury about a month ago and Josh McCown has filled in since, playing solid in Cutler’s absence. Alshon Jeffery is loving the quarterback situation, however, as he has emerged as an elite wide out in the league, catching 70 passes for 1,109 yards and five touchdowns while Brandon Marshall isn’t too far behind with 78 catches for 990 yards and nine scores. Matt Forte leads the run game with 971 yards and seven scores while catching 58 passes out of the backfield for 445 yards and a score.
The Dallas Cowboys are fighting for a division title in one of the most wide-open races in the NFL: the NFC East. While the Cowboys seem to be consistently inconsistent this season — winning every other game, on average — they have now won two straight and are looking to win three straight against a struggling Bears team. Tony Romo leads the 15th-best passing offense in the league with 3,140 yards and 24 touchdowns — but don’t be fooled, this is a pass-first team. Dez Bryant has been Romo’s favorite target this season, catching 68 passes for 896 yards and nine touchdowns while tight end Jason Witten is second on the team with 54 catches for 622 yards and six touchdowns. DeMarco Murray has been impressive in the 27th-ranked run game, rushing for 697 yards and seven touchdowns.
Defensively, the Bears have struggled mightily this season. Chicago ranks 28th in total yards allowed per game while also ranking dead-last in rushing yards allowed per game. The Bears have had trouble keeping teams out of the endzone also, ranking 28th in points against. Dallas has been even worse on defense, ranking last in total defense and second-to-last in passing yards allowed per contest.
PREDICTION: Cowboys 27, Bears 30
Related: Cowboys vs. Bears: Tony Romo Can’t Afford Another Monday Night Meltdown
Chicago Bears Rumors: Jay Cutler Likely Won’t Get Franchise Tag, Team to Draft QB in 2014?
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].
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