NFL Thursday Score: Dallas Cowboys 41, Chicago Bears 28

Tony Romo had three touchdowns while DeMarco Murray rushed for a season high 179 yards in leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 41-28 road win over rival Chicago Bears. The victory improved the Cowboys to 9-4 for the season and pulled within half a game of the NFC East leaders Philadelphia Eagles (9-3).

Chicago dropped to 5-8, the worst mark in the NFC North and virtually out of the running already for the postseason. To have a shot at the wildcard spot, they have to win their last three games— against the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. Chicago was playing without wide receiver Brandon Marshall (61 yards, 3 receptions) in the second half because of a rib injury. Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler finished with 341 passing yards on 32 of 46 passing with two TD and an interception.

"Like a lot of great backs through the years in this league, oftentimes these guys get better the more touches they get," Dallas coach Jason Garrett said of Murray’s performance via ESPN. "I think he's demonstrating that. He just has such a good feel for running the football."

Romo had 205 passing yards on 21-of-26 completions with the pair of TD passes to Cole Beasley. After a one-TD lead at the half, 14-7, the Cowboys took it to the Bears scoring three touchdowns in a span of ten minutes in the 3rd quarter. They also shut out the Bears in the third, 21-0. Dez Bryant had six receptions for 82 yards for the Cowboys which improved to 6-0 on the road this season.

Dallas has a good chance of stealing the top spot in the division as they’ll take on the Eagles next Sunday for what could very well decide who takes the NFC East. The Cowboys will end the season against the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins.