The Cowboys got off to a slow start this season, which has caused some to speculate whether or not head coach Jason Garrett is going to have a job with the team after the season ends.  He has apparently figured out where some of the mistakes were being made and has helped the ‘Boys turn things around in the second half of the season, but it might be too late for any chance at a Super Bowl appearance. Still, if they can continue to play strong, there’s an outside chance a Christmas miracle could happen.  Tonight’s game as the Cowboys face the Chicago Bears is going to help determine whether or not that miracle is seen.

Cowboys vs Bears Dec 5

Should the Cowboys win, the Bears are all but eliminated from picking up a wild-card spot in the postseason.  Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will have to turn on the offensive pressure against a top-five defense to help secure the win, but the Bears are hoping to get an extra boost by the extremely cold weather that is expected to be seen as the game gets started.

If Prescott is as good under center as he has been this season – an average of over 300 passing yards per game and 23 touchdowns – and can stay focused, this is going to be an easy game for the Cowboys against the Bears.  The problem this season hasn’t been his ability on the field; it has been the inability of the line to help move the ball forward and Dallas is averaging less than 17 points per game because of it.  This paints an ugly picture with the strong Bears defense as the backdrop.

Elliott has always been a strong running back, but some are beginning to wonder if his time has come.  He needs to keep energized for just a few more games if he wants to have a chance at a Super Bowl run.  If he can figure out how to avoid the defense and pick up the yards when they’re needed, things will go smoothly.  In all of the team’s wins this year, he has averaged a little more than 92 yards a game; when they’ve lost, his average was just 62.3.  That shows how important he is to tonight’s success.

For the Bears to taste victory, there is no doubt that Mitchell Trubisky is going to have to turn up the heat.  The quarterback has not lived up to his hype and he knows it.  He’s going to try to give a better effort tonight, especially since his future as a starter with the team depends on it.

Both teams are having to deal with several injuries in the NFL that are going to hurt both of their chances; however, the Bears are having to look deeper into their roster, which could give the Cowboys an advantage.  For Chicago, Bobby Massie, Ben Braunecker, Taylor Gabriel and Danny Trevathan – all starters – are out for the game and Prince Amukamara is listed as doubtful.  On the Dallas bench, starters Leighton Vander Esche, Jeff Heath and Antwaun Woods will only be able to root on their teammates while trying to stay warm.

Despite facing a slightly superior defense, the Cowboys have the advantage in strength and health against the Bears.  This should be a hard-fought game all the way around, but, short any major mistakes, Dallas is going to take the win, propelling them a little closer to the elusive playoffs.