3 key matchups to watch in Bears vs. Cowboys

As the Bears prepare for the Cowboys, they’ll face a tall order as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Here are matchups to watch.

2. RB David Montgomery vs. LB Jaylon Smith

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In the win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, Bears coach Matt Nagy discovered good things happen when he involves rookie running back David Montgomery in the game plan. Now, however, the rookie faces stiffer competition with Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith patrolling the middle of the field.

Smith, in his fourth NFL season, is the captain of the Cowboys defense and will be tasked with defending Montgomery both in the running and passing games. Coming off a season-high 14 tackles in their loss against the Buffalo Bills last week, he’ll try to stop Montgomery, who in Week 13 had his best game since Week 8 with 75 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Utilizing the running game will go a long way in setting up opportunities in the passing game.