Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) hands the football off to running back Matt Forte (22) during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: This prime time Monday night matchup between the Cowboys and Bears on paper at least should be easy to predict.  The Cowboys defense ranks #2 in the NFL against the pass while the Bears offense is near the bottom of the league at #28 through the air.  The Bears will likely have Matt Forte back for this game and it will be up to Rob Ryan to try and improve his defense’s run play.  The Cowboys #1 overall defense is the 19^th ranked rush defense while the Bears rank #13 in rushing (without Forte for the majority of that time).  If they can’t stop the run, it will be a long night for the Cowboys.  The Cowboy’s offense (ranked #13 in passing and #29 in rushing) will be going up against the Bears 6^th ranked defense (#6 in both rushing and passing).  So, it certainly feels like the Cowboys will struggle in this game to move the ball and score points.  I think we have to hope the defense can create some turnovers and maybe score some points on their own.  This will be a low scoring, close game.  Because it is at home, I think the Cowboys find a way to scratch out another ugly win.  But, I’m hopeful at best from what we’ve seen so far this season.  Cowboys 17, Bears 16.

Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, both 2-1, have had very similar successes and struggles this season.  Both have had Top 10 defenses so far, but have been limited by the ineffectiveness of their respective offensive units.  With injuries limiting both of Chicago’s primary Running Backs, I expect this game to stay on script as a defensive battle.  In the end, Tony Romo will make fewer mistakes than Jay Cutler, ultimately winning the game for the Cowboys. Prediction: Cowboys 17 – Bears 10

Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Cowboys offensive line still struggles, after all, there was no consistency with the line in training camp and they are trying to learn new blocking schemes.  But DeMarco Murray has a better day running the ball and Tony Romo gets just enough time to find open receivers.  Cowboys defense makes life hard for Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears offense.  Cowboys 21, Bears 13.

Joe Owens, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys are coming into Monday night’s match-up against the Chicago Bears #1 in yards allowed at 250 per game and 7th in points allowed. In the last outing versus the Bears Jay Cutler threw 3 TD’s leaving the game with a 136.7 QB rating, granted that was against a Dallas secondary that was one of the worst in the league.

Both offensive lines have issues and Chicago leads the league in sacks with 14 and is tied for 2nd in the NFL with 6 interceptions and Tony Romo has thrown one in each game this season. The Cowboys have surrendered 7 sacks, tying them for 6th along with 10.3 penalties per game so far this season.

The key to the game will be the composure of Jay Cutler. If the Cowboys can rattle him early then its a win for the Cowboys but the Cowboys are facing another tough defense for the third week in a row and I have a feeling that it’s going to take it’s toll. 23 Chicago, 20 Dallas

Tonni Shook, Senior Writer: Dallas Cowboys squeaked out a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend and I expect much the same vs the Chicago Bears Monday night.  The offense is anemic, and other than Dan Bailey, Cowboys kicker, just can’t seem to throw together a perfect game….pun intended.  I see this game as another nail-biter, with a battle of consistency between Tony Romo and Jay Cutler.  Dallas Cowboys win, “bearly”, 17 – Chicago Bears, 10.

Artie Cappello, Senior Writer: These teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, are very similar in a couple ways. Both teams have playoff aspirations with talented players at key skill positions. Both have terrible offensive lines that are getting their respective QBs killed.  The difference in this game, to me, is which QB gets killed less. I hope it’s ours. Dallas 28 – Chicago 21

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Sep 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) gets hit after throwing the ball by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Michael Bennett (71) at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Buccaneers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: I think we see a very similar game as we did last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Expect a low scoring, defensive battle. Scoring should have more to do with turnovers then great offensive plays. Call it a gut feeling, but I’m not sold the Cowboys win this one. Both defenses will play well, but I think the Bear’s offense is slightly more in tune. Chicago over Dallas, 20-16.

Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: The Cowboys will continue to struggle on offense, and this will be a battle of the defenses.  Jay Cutler’s poor decision making will be the X-factor in this contest.  Look for whichever Cowboys punter takes the field to kick away from Devin Hester.  Cowboys will scrape away a victory, 17-10.

Chance Streetman, Staff Writer: The Cowboys won an ugly game last week thanks to the great play of the defense. The defense ranks #1 in opposing YPG average through 3 games. What is concerning is the team’s 31 penalties, 6 turnovers, and Romo being sacked 7 times through the first 3 weeks. He has thrown an interception in each game, and he has been taking many hits due to the weak offensive line. The offensive line needs to be fixed in a hurry because they play the Chicago Bears who lead the NFL in sacks of opposing quarterbacks. The Bears have equally been sloppy on offense this year.  Jay Cutler has been sacked 11 times and thrown 6 interceptions this season. Matt Forte looks to be a game time decision as of now. Even if he does play, he probably will be limited. I think this could be another ugly win for the Cowboys. Ugly wins count in the NFL. Dallas 16, Chicago 15

Alex Young, Staff Writer: It’s the battle of the bad offensive lines when the Cowboys host the Bears on MNF to kick off the month of October. This matchup pits two 2-1 against each other and both teams have been underwhelming to start the year, despite the winning record. Neither quarterback has gotten off to a good start: Bears qb Jay Cutler has thrown for only three touchdowns while throwing six interceptions through three games–four at Green Bay in week 2. Cutler had been expected to possibly have a career year since he would have a full season with ex-bronco teammate, wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

While Marshall has been as advertised, Cutler has struggled to get it going. Tony Romo is kind of the same way, Romo has has an atypical start to his season, throwing an interception in each of the first three games after only throwing 10 all of last season. He accounted for all three Dallas turnovers last week, a pick and two fumbles.

The key for both teams this week, as mentioned in the opening sentence, is the offensive lines. Combined, the teams have allowed 17 sacks through three games, 10 for Chicago and 7 for Dallas. If either offense is going to put up numbers, they will have to protect the quarterback.

The other big factor are the running backs. Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was rendered ineffective last week, rushing 18 times for just 38 yards in the Cowboys win. Chicago has been without starting running back Matt Forte for the past few weeks, but he expects to play Monday.

Expect both teams to try and establish a run game early to grind down the defense. For Dallas, they cannot afford the kind of penalty-filled first half that they had last week, the Bears have more weapons than the Bucs and the Dallas defense cannot be expected to be relied upon to consistently stop Chicago drives after committing penalties; they will get burned eventually.

Expect a slobber knocker, defensive fight as linebackers Julius Peppers and DeMarcus Ware try to take out each ones respective quarterback. I see this one as another poor offensive showing for Dallas and a Bears team that hits a few big plays that the Cowboys can’t counter with. Bears win, 23-17.