CHICAGO — The Dallas Cowboys return to the road in Week 3, traveling to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears in an NFC clash that features two teams trending in opposite directions. Kickoff is slated for 3:25 p.m. CT (4:25 p.m. ET), with FOX carrying the national broadcast. For out-of-market fans, the matchup will also be available on YouTube TV’s Sunday Ticket.

Cowboys Seeking Consistency

Dallas (1-1) enters the contest with momentum following last Sunday’s 40-37 overtime thriller against the New York Giants. Quarterback Dak Prescott showed poise in crunch time, guiding the Cowboys to their ninth straight win over their divisional rival. Prescott finished with 361 passing yards and two touchdowns, connecting frequently with top wideout CeeDee Lamb, who logged his fourth consecutive 100-yard game.

Tight end Jake Ferguson also emerged as a reliable option in the passing game, while the ground attack, led by Miles Sanders, provided balance. Kicker Brandon Aubrey stole the spotlight, hitting a 64-yard field goal to tie the game in regulation before sealing the victory with a 46-yarder in overtime.

For head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Sunday’s matchup provides an opportunity to build off his first career win and continue shaping an offense that is beginning to find rhythm.

Bears Searching for First Win Under Johnson

The Bears (0-2) remain winless under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. After a 24-17 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 1, Chicago struggled again in Week 2, falling 31-14 to the Minnesota Vikings.

Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams has flashed his athleticism and arm strength but has yet to deliver a complete performance. He’s thrown for 409 yards with two touchdowns across two games but has been hampered by turnovers and protection breakdowns. The Bears’ offensive line has allowed six sacks through the first two weeks, putting added pressure on Williams to improvise.

The bright spot remains DJ Moore, who leads the receiving corps with 12 catches for 174 yards and a score. Running back Khalil Herbert has yet to find traction, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry, leaving the offense one-dimensional at times.

Defensively, Chicago must tighten up after allowing 55 points across its first two outings. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has been a tackling machine, but the Bears have struggled to generate consistent pressure up front, a weakness Dallas will look to exploit.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Dak Prescott vs. Bears Secondary: Prescott has looked sharp early, but Chicago will try to bait him into mistakes with disguised coverages. The Bears’ secondary, led by Jaylon Johnson, must contain Lamb and Ferguson to limit explosive plays.

• Caleb Williams vs. Micah Parsons-less Defense: With Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, the Cowboys’ defense is adjusting. Chicago’s offensive line must protect Williams, giving him time to target Moore downfield.

• Dallas Run Game vs. Chicago Front Seven: If Sanders and the Cowboys’ backs can establish the run, it will open up play-action opportunities for Prescott to stretch the field.

What’s at Stake

For Dallas, a win would push the Cowboys above .500 and strengthen their position in the NFC East. For Chicago, Sunday represents a chance to avoid an 0-3 start that would place them in an early-season hole.

Schottenheimer has stressed discipline after Dallas committed 12 penalties for 106 yards against the Giants. Meanwhile, Johnson is seeking a spark to ignite a Bears offense that has been stagnant through two games.

The Outlook

The Cowboys bring superior firepower on offense and a defense that, while still adjusting without Parsons, has shown the ability to create timely stops. The Bears, on the other hand, are still searching for an identity. Soldier Field’s atmosphere will give Chicago a boost, but Dallas’ balance and big-play ability could prove too much.

Prediction: Cowboys 27, Bears 17