NFL Power Rankings: The 2-1 Bears are moving up!

The Chicago Bears won ugly a week ago in one of the toughest places to play an early season game, and they still dropped down the NFL power rankings. This week, it was a much more impressive win in prime time, so let’s see how the “experts” view the Bears now.

We’ll start with the highest ranking I found, as NFL.com moved the Bears up one spot to number 9 and here’s what they had to say.

The Bears took all the drama out of Monday night, racing to a 28-0 lead in the first half before cruising to the finish line. It was another big day for Chicago’s vaunted defense, which forced Redskins quarterback Case Keenum into five turnovers, including a pick-six by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Khalil Mack led the charge in the front seven, stuffing the stat sheet with two sacks and two forced fumbles. On offense, it was a game -- a half, really -- of progress for Mitchell Trubisky, who threw three touchdown passes and looked much more comfortable than what we saw against the Packers and Broncos. Taylor Gabriel caught all three of those Trubisky touchdown passes before leaving the game with a concussion. The next step for Trubisky is stacking some solid performances to bury the chatter of those who see him as the team’s weak link.

Here’s how Yahoo Sports sees it.

11. Chicago Bears (2-1, LW: 14)

The Bears took the air out of the ball after going up 28-0, and that made things a little closer than they’d have liked. Chicago’s first half was promising though, especially Mitchell Trubisky going 20-of-23 for 173 yards and three touchdowns before halftime.

The Bears shot up 4 spots to 13th according to CBS Sports.

That defense is so impressive, but it’s the offense that will decide this team’s fate. They came alive against the Redskins, but the Vikings defense will be a big test this week.

The USA Today gave the Bears a 4 place jump too up to 15th.

Finally flashed back to last year’s division champs, when defense was not only suffocating but also constantly putting Mitch Trubisky-led offense into scoring position.

ESPN has the Bears holding steady at 14, and in this week’s power ranking theme they looked at the preseason story they got wrong about each team.

What we got wrong: That the Bears would struggle at kicker.

Chicago’s search for a new kicker dominated the offseason headlines. Thus far, Eddy Pineiro has done the job. Pineiro is perfect on field goal attempts through two games, and hit the game winner against Denver in Week 2. Pineiro even won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his heroics versus the Broncos. -- Jeff Dickerson

Here’s what the Sporting News had to say about the Bears.

15. Chicago Bears, 2-1 (19)

Given the hot start of their division foes, the Bears needed that statement road win over the Redskins. They needed that breakout passing night by Mitchell Trubisky to feel better about stacking up with the other NFC North quarterbacks.

Our sister site that covers the Detroit Lions, Pride of Detroit, has the Bears two spots ahead of the Lions.

12. Chicago Bears (2-1: Won 31-15 vs WAS) (+2)

Mitch Trubisky finally found himself this season and threw for three touchdown passes as the Bears thrashed Washington. The defense was incredible as well, and never gave their opponents a real chance.

And don’t look now, but the NFC North is the only division in the NFL with all four teams sporting winning records.

There had to be at least one publication that dropped the Bears, so check out what Sports Illustrated had to say.

17. CHICAGO BEARS (2-1)

Previous rank: 16

Points in poll: 165

Highest-place vote: 14 (1 voters)

Lowest-place vote: 19 (2 voters)

Last week’s result: Beat Washington, 31-15

This week: vs. Minnesota

Mitch Trubisky came alive, and Khalil Mack put on another Monday night show. And still the Bears dropped in the rankings—evidence of how poor the opposition was. Tester coming against the Vikes.

What are your thoughts on the power rankings this week?