No one can say Jay Cutler has no holiday spirit. He’s been giving away footballs most generously.

The Chicago Bears quarterback has thrown 14 interceptions and lost six fumbles, bringing no cheer to the Midway and extra heat on second-year coach Marc Trestman. The Bears (5-7) are featured this week on Thursday night football against the Dallas Cowboys (8-4).

The Cowboys have also been givers of gifts in December for years. Since their last Super Bowl season (1995), they are 29-44 in December. QB Tony Romo is 12-17 as a starter in December. If the Cowboys are going to end a playoff-less run of three consecutive 8-8 finishes, a win in this game will at least ensure a finish of better than .500. And they are the NFL’s only unbeaten road team (5-0).

GAMES WE’RE WATCHING ON SUNDAY

 
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1): The Bengals lead the AFC North and have won their last three games and five of six. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has passed for 2,112 yards and 18 touchdowns (against five interceptions) in his last six games. There are six teams in the AFC at 7-5 and all of them can’t make the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens (7-5) at Miami Dolphins (7-5): Hey, a couple more of those 7-5 teams. Both are looking at this as an elimination game. The loser likely will not reach the playoffs and the Dolphins have missed for the last five years.

Buffalo Bills (7-5) at Denver Broncos (9-3): The Bills haven’t made the playoffs this century. That is all.

Seattle Seahawks (8-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (9-3): The Eagles can’t cover anyone. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has thrown four touchdown passes in his last three games.

New England Patriots (9-3) at San Diego Chargers (8-4): The Chargers are energized after their comeback win on the road against Baltimore, which marked their third straight win; the Patriots lost a mini-shootout in Green Bay.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .