‘Thursday Night Football’ live stream: How to watch Cowboys vs. Bears 2014 online

Dallas and Chicago were both trounced on Thanksgiving. The Cowboys must rebound to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Dec 4, 2014, 11:00 PM UTC

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are 8-4 and in the thick of the NFC playoff race, a spot most fans would have been thrilled about before the season began. However, after a 6-1 start, many Dallas supporters are feeling anxious with the team currently on the outside of the playoff picture. To get back in, the Cowboys face a pivotal road test against a dangerous yet underachieving Bears team.

Dallas was in the driver's seat of the NFC East a few weeks ago, especially when Eagles starting quarterback Nick Foles was lost to a broken collarbone. However, Mark Sanchez took over in Philadelphia and engineered a massive 33-10 pounding of the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. With the Eagles up a game in the East and holding the tiebreaker, Dallas might be staring at a wild-card scenario.

The Cowboys will rely heavily on league-leading rusher DeMarco Murray to carry the day. Murray has 1,427 rushing yards on five yards per carry behind one of the best offensive lines in football. The line, anchored by three first-round picks, has generally done a good job of protecting Tony Romo throughout the season. Romo has thrown for 2,718 yards and 22 touchdowns, including 10 to Dez Bryant.

At 5-7, Chicago has nothing left to play for but pride and perhaps head coach Marc Trestman's job. Trestman is in his second year with the team and the Bears have significantly regressed after going 8-8 in 2013. Billed as an offensive mind when hired, Trestman has failed to get the attack going despite a bevy of talent including receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. The offense ranks 21st in points scored, 20th in yards and 26th in rushing. Defensively, Chicago is even worse, checking in at 30th against the pass and points allowed.