NFL Power Rankings: Bears are making moves

In a season full of “what ifs” that truly started with their week 1 win in Detroit, the 2020 Chicago Bears have taken all us fans on a roller coaster ride. They’re rounding into shape at the right time, but that 0-6 dip may be too much for them to overcome.

There’s just two more games in the regular season and the playoffs are still a possibility, but with them needing help to get in that possibility is extremely slim.

Looking back through that losing streak is tough, because there were chances this team let slip away. They had the Saints on the ropes but couldn’t finish the job and ultimately lost in overtime. They only managed 149 yards in total offense against the Vikings, yet still only lost by six. They had the Lions game won, but a late fumble did them in.

If the Bears could have found a way to win just one of those games they would be in control their own destiny for a postseason spot, and there would probably be no black cloud hanging over the head coach and general manager either.

Let’s see how the power rankers have the Bears this week.

The Bears are up 10 spots according to NFL.com, all the way up to 16th.

Earlier this month, the Bears were an also-ran, a pretender that got off to a fast start before cratering when the competition improved. And sure, wins over the middling Texans and Vikings in the past two weeks don’t exactly scream, “Super Bowl Shuffle reboot!” But let’s give credit where it’s due: This offense is suddenly fun to watch. The occasional head-scratching turnover aside, Mitch Trubisky is playing with as much confidence as we’ve ever seen during his time in Chicago. Then there’s running back David Montgomery, who has a touchdown in four straight games and just ripped up the Vikings’ defense for a career-high 146 yards and two scores. With the dreadful Jaguars on deck, Chicago should continue to light up the scoreboard and keep itself in the playoff race. Who saw that coming?

Sports Illustrated has the Bears at 15th overall.

Matt Nagy’s group has bounced back in a huge way the last couple weeks, and the Bears get the Jags and the Packers potentially resting starters next week, meaning the path to 9–7 is clear. And with some help from Arizona, it’s not impossible that the Bears sneak into the playoffs either.

ESPN has the Bears at 17 this week after being 21st a week ago, and their theme this week is an underrated star for each team.

Most underrated star: LB Danny Trevathan

Trevathan is often overshadowed by fellow inside linebacker Roquan Smith, but the 30-year-old veteran is having another solid season, with 100 total tackles through 14 games. Trevathan — re-signed to a three-year contract with $13.625 million guaranteed this offseason — suffered a gruesome elbow injury in November that landed him on injured reserve and therefore required offseason rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because NFL teams were forced to cancel offseason programs and shorten training camps, Trevathan looked a little rusty to open the season, but he has rebounded nicely. Trevathan’s experienced leadership is also a bonus for the Bears. — Jeff Dickerson

The Bears have been smart with Trevathan this year in getting him off the field in some sub-package situations.

Here’s how the Sporting News has it.

15. Chicago Bears 7-7 (18)

The Bears cannot be discounted, now that Mitchell Trubisky and David Montgomery are helping Matt Nagy’s offense reach its potential, balancing out more issues for the defense. Just imagine if they shore up things against the run and pass again.

The USA Today has it like this.

16. Bears (23): WR Darnell Mooney, who established a Chicago rookie record with 46 catches, is just one reason this team is suddenly back in playoff conversation.

CBS Sports has the Bears up 2, to 15th.

They have found an offense with the return of Mitchell Trubisky. They are still alive at 7-7.

Here’s how Pro Football Talk sees it this week.

15. Bears (No. 23; 7-7): Left for dead a couple of weeks ago, the Bears are breathing again.

Yahoo Sports has the Bears ranked like this.

15. Chicago Bears (7-7, LW: 19)

The Bears aren’t dead yet. If they tie the Cardinals for the last wild-card spot, they will win the tiebreaker. The Bears are a game behind Arizona. Chicago gets the Jaguars this weekend and the Packers in the finale. Green Bay might have a No. 1 seed clinched by then. The Cardinals face the 49ers and then finish at the Rams, who could be trying to clinch a division title. Things might get really interesting heading into Week 17.