NFL Power Rankings: The Chicago Bears are on the move

Even though the Chicago Bears were on their bye week, there was some movement from them in the various Power Rankings I checked out. Also, a lot of the teams that are on the Bears remaining schedule lost, so what does that say about the Bears chances to get things turned around?

Ultimately it’s going to come down to head coach Matt Nagy, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and the offense to see if this team can rebound from the tough London loss to the Raiders. But at 3-2 the Bears are in the same place as a year ago, and a win this Sunday against the Saints and suddenly they’re ahead of last season’s pace.

Let’s see how the “experts” rank the Bears this week.

NFL.com has the Bears up to 9th overall from 11 a week ago.

The Bears, thanks to a Week 6 bye, have to sit with that Raiders loss for two weeks, which we can imagine is not the most pleasant feeling. When Chicago returns to the field against New Orleans this Sunday, the goal inside the building has to be getting this offense on track before it ruins the season. The Bears entered Week 6 ranked 28th in points per game, 30th in total offense, 26th in rushing yards per game and 30th in big plays (defined as a reception of 20-plus yards or a rush of 10-plus yards). The Bears do have a player who’s good at all that stuff when given a chance -- that would be running back Tarik Cohen, who already had nine such “big plays” through five games a year ago. In 2019? He has just one, despite being healthy and available each week. Bears coach Matt Nagy needs to get Cohen involved.

The Bears are up 2 spots to 13th according to CBS Sports.

They come off the bye looking to generate more on offense. But it was the defense that also had some issues in London. That unit needs to pick it up as well.

Here’s how Yahoo Sports has it this week.

11. Chicago Bears (3-2, LW: 10)

The Bears have only two games left against teams who are currently under .500. They face the Chargers and Giants, who are both 2-4 and not totally incapable. If the Bears make it back to the playoffs, it’ll be impressive.

ESPN has the Bears down three spots to 16th.

Biggest weakness: Explosive plays on offense

The Bears don’t have enough of them. Their vertical passing attack is limited with Mitchell Trubisky or Chase Daniel at quarterback. The offense has been equally ineffective on the ground. Chicago has gained eight or more rushing yards on just 10 running plays through five games. Head coach Matt Nagy cited the club’s lack of explosive plays as the No. 1 offensive issue that needs to be corrected after the bye. -- Jeff Dickerson

Here’s how the Sporting News has it.

#18 Chicago Bears, 3-2 (16)

The Bears may or may not have a healthy Mitchell Trubisky leading their offense again after their bye, but regardless, they need to come out running the ball better and getting back to solid run defense to help both a weak passing game and strong pass defense. They’ll be put to the test right away against the Saints.

NBC Sports has the Bears taking a big tumble.

16. Chicago Bears (3-2)

Previous: 11

The Bears didn’t lose in Week 6, but they didn’t win either. Their power rankings slide is because of how well other teams performed Sunday; Chicago doesn’t feel like a top-15 team when compared to the rest of the NFL.

What are your thoughts in the Power Rankings this week? Where would you slot in the Bears?