NFL power rankings roundup: Where the Bears rank in Week 13
The Chicago Bears were unable to complete a late comeback last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, which ended in a 30-27 overtime defeat. That meant a fifth straight loss and a second straight against an NFC North division rival.
Chicago came into the year thinking that this could be the time that they finally get back into the playoffs. After this recent stretch, we now know that isn’t happening.
We ranked the Bears 25th in our power rankings, which dropped them from 21st in Week 12. Going into this Week 13, see where the other media outlets placed them in their power rankings.
USA Today
Current Ranking: 23
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take: "Rookie QB Caleb Williams must average exactly 274 passing yards over the final six games to become the franchise's first 4,000-yard passer."
Our Take: As expected, folks are mainly focused on Caleb Williams because we know that the Chicago Bears will not be going to the playoffs this season.
The Athletic
Current Ranking: 22
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Author: Josh Kendall
Author’s Take: "The Bears lost their fifth straight game Sunday, but the rookie quarterback is showing development, which is all this season is about. Williams was 32 of 47 for 340 yards and two touchdowns against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, which is a feather in any quarterback’s cap. Flores’ defense gave up an EPA per dropback of .04 in Weeks 1-11. Williams posted a .16."
Our Take: Caleb Williams has been looking good ever since they fired Shane Waldron and made Thomas Brown the interim offensive coordinator. That made Josh Kendall move the Bears up as spot despite losing.
ESPN
Current Ranking: 23
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Author: Courtney Cronin
Author’s Take: "Chicago has dropped five consecutive games, with three losses coming down to the final play. The Bears have the fifth-most takeaways (18), which supports their defensive ranking. The offense has gotten better since Chicago made Thomas Brown its offensive coordinator in Week 11, as evidenced by Caleb Williams' increase in completion percentage and yards per attempt and decrease in time to throw and pressure percentage. But special teams blunders in back-to-back losses to NFC North opponents, including two blocked field goals and a muffed punt against Minnesota, prove troublesome for a team that has stumbled after a 4-2 start."
Our Take: This week's theme on ESPN's power ranking is where they rank every team's offense, defense, and special teams. Courtney Cronin has a good explanation for why their offense ranks 24th, their defense ranks 5th, and special teams rank 20th.
NFL.com
Current Ranking: 23
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
Author: Eric Edholm
Author’s Take: "The Bears’ fifth straight loss -- and third straight at Soldier Field -- delivered a new twist on an old favorite. This time, after seeing yet another field-goal try blocked, they roared back in improbable fashion, erasing an 11-point lead in less than two minutes, needing the NFL’s third recovered onside kick of the season (and, yes, a made field goal) to do it. They also needed (and received) another wildly encouraging performance from Caleb Williams, who made some spectacular plays Sunday against a quality defense. Thomas Brown called a near-beauty of a game, too, getting DJ Moore and Keenan Allen involved more frequently. But then overtime happened, and the Bears punted and watched their defense melt away. It’ll be a short turnaround before facing Detroit on Thanksgiving."
Our Take: Eric Edholm wanted the whole world to remember just how the Bears lost in overtime while reminding folks that it is the opposite of how they lost to the Green Bay Packers one week prior. He made great points about Thomas Brown getting DJ Moore and Keenan Allen more involved. The Bears should continue working on helping Caleb find all of his receivers as frequently as he did on Sunday.
NBC Sports (PFT)
Current Ranking: 25
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Author: Mike Florio
Author’s Take: "Caleb Williams is playing well enough to help the Bears lure an excellent offensive coach to town."
Our Take: Mike Florio makes an excellent point about the big positive about Williams playing as well as he is. A good offensive coach might look at the Bears as a good job to take because he's there and proving to be great. If he breaks the 4000 yard plateau (no Bears QB ever has), things will be even more interesting on that front.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL power rankings roundup: Where the Bears rank in Week 13
