Cowboys (6-6) at Bears (6-6)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, Chicago
TV: Fox, NFL Network
Danny Sheridan’s line: Cowboys by 3
Cowboys’ keys to victory: The Cowboys need to find a way to get QB Dak Prescott rolling again. Once considered an MVP candidate, Prescott has struggled in the past two games. It also would help to get RB Ezekiel Elliott, who hasn’t topped 100 yards rushing since Nov. 4, involved early. Defensively, the Cowboys need to bring pressure on Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky, coming off his best game of the season.
Bears’ keys to victory: Chicago’s offense needs to get off to a fast start, something it did effectively against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. The offensive line needs to do a better job opening holes for RB David Montgomery as well as continue to give QB Mitchell Trubisky solid protection in the pocket. On defense, Chicago needs to pressure Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who leads the league in passing yards despite his recent struggles.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys WR Amari Cooper vs. Bears CB Kyle Fuller. The Bears’ defense allowed big plays in the first quarter against the Lions and can’t do the same against a Cowboys offense that depends on Cooper’s ability to make plays in the passing game. Fuller is the best chance the Bears have of containing Cooper, who injured his knee on Thanksgiving but is not expected to miss any time.
Who wins? The Bears and Cowboys seem to be in different places right now. Chicago has found confidence on offense, while Dallas appears to be in free fall. It’s shaping up to be a cold prime-time matchup, which figures to work in Chicago’s favor.
Bears, 24-20