NFL playoff picture, Week 14: Cowboys-Bears provides obvious rooting interest

The Chicago Bears host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 14. The game kicks off at 5:25 p.m. PT on NFL Network, with Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Lisa Wolfson calling the game. The Cowboys are a 3.5-point favorite.

While we continue to wait for the San Francisco 49ers to figure out what they're doing on offense, there is still plenty outside to root for and against this weekend. And that starts with this game. The 5-7 Bears are mathematically alive in the playoff chase, but effectively out of it. On the other hand, the 8-4 Dallas Cowboys are one spot above the 49ers, joining them on the outside looking in with the playoff race.

The 49ers hold the tiebreaker edge over the Cowboys in terms of head-to-head, and also with conference record. If the Cowboys were to lose, they would drop into a tie with the 7-5 49ers. If it was just the two of them and a playoff spot was on the line, the 49ers Week 1 win would break the tie. If the 49ers and Cowboys were tied with another team, it would switch to conference record. The 49ers are 6-4 in conference, while the Cowboys are 5-4. A loss tonight would drop the Cowboys to 5-5.

Suffice to say, we are rooting for Daaaaaa Bears tonight. Chicago is hosting this game, but they have been all over the place. It is safe to say none of us has any real confidence in Jay Cutler and company pulling this out. But maybe they will get their act in gear, and get a key win for the 49ers.