Week 4 of the 2012 NFL Season concludes as the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears square off on Monday Night Football.

The contest is set to get underway at 8:30 p.m. ET at Cowboys Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. If you can’t get to a TV, you can watch a free live stream online at espn3.com.

Both teams enter the game at 2-1 and are looking for a share of first place. The Cowboys are expected to win. They’re favored by three points, according to Las Vegas betting odds.

If the first three weeks are any indication, this will be a defensive battle. Dallas has been one of the best defensive teams this season, but they’ve also had one of the league’s worst offensive units. The Cowboys are 31st in the NFL with 15.7 points per game.

Tony Romo was under constant pressure in Dallas’ Week 3 contest against Tampa Bay. He was sacked four times and didn’t throw a touchdown pass.

Jay Cutler has had as little protection as any quarterback on the young season. He’s been sacked 11 times this year, including seven times in the Bears loss to the Packers. The pressure Cutler’s faced has forced him into six interceptions, compared to just three touchdown passes.

Cutler won’t have an easy time against a Cowboys defense that has been stingy against the pass. Dallas has allowed just 137 passing yards through the air per game. Their addition of Brandon Carr through free agency and Morris Claiborne in the draft has really bolstered the team’s secondary.

Chicago could be without their top running back. Matt Forte is a game-time decision with an ankle injury. Michael Bush will start in Forte’s place if he can’t suit up.

For Dallas, DeMarco Murray will look to improve on a few subpar performances. He’s rushed for just 82 total yards in the past two games. Murray opened the season with 131 yards against the Giants.

Prediction: The Bears offense hasn’t been consistent in 2012. Cutler hasn’t had much time to throw, and doesn’t have many weapons outside of Brandon Marshall. If Forte can’t go, it will be very tough for them to score points. The Cowboys have also struggled, but Romo has played relatively well, and should help Dallas get into the end zone a few times.

Predicted Score; Dallas 20, Chicago 13

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