The Chicago Bears, with third-string quarterback Case Keenum under center, defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, who are seen as a measuring stick in the NFL.
The Eagles seem to be reeling, but they did come in at 2-0 and have been one of the league's better teams over the last decade or so. They have a couple of Super Bowls to show for it, too. Getting this win after the disaster of a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 was important for Bears team both on and off the field. Ben Johnson had a plan, and the team executed it.
This result led to the Bears jumping back into the Top 10 of our weekly power rankings. We had them jump up to No. 9 from No. 13. Here's a look at where Chicago landed among other power rankings in the NFL heading into Week
4:
USA Today
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 9
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take: "Not only did Ben Johnson's offense barely miss a beat without QB Caleb Williams, Dennis Allen's defense was also more than up to the task of stifling Philadelphia's attack. Those Windy City sails remain plenty full even with Williams still up to a month away from returning."
Our Take: Nate Davis had our same ranking adjustment made on USA Today's sports home page. There seems to be a consensus that Ben Johnson's playcalling allowed Case Keenum to succeed, while Dennis Allen's defense is starting to gain some confidence.
The Athletic
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 9
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
Author: Josh Kendall & Chad Graff
Author’s Take: “If the Giants had waited a day, they might have traded for Case Keenum instead of McCarthy. Keenum started for Chicago on Monday night in place of Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion) and torched the Eagles for 247 yards, two passing touchdowns and another on the ground. The 38-year-old was last a regular starter in 2019 in Washington, where he was 1-7 in eight starts. From 2020 to 2023, he split time between Cleveland, Buffalo, and Houston but did not see any action in 2024 or 2025. Williams is expected to miss at least two more weeks, but it looks like the Bears will be OK until then.”
Our Take: The funny joke around the Bears' community is "Caleb Who?", but it is clear that they need their starter back eventually. For now, however, having Ben Johnson with each backup should create a lot of confidence.
ESPN
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 11
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
Author: Courtney Cronin
Author’s Take: "At best, the 11-year veteran was considered a waiver wire add in the preseason given his status at WR108. With a group of Chicago playmakers highlighted by Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze, Raymond wasn't projected to factor into a significant portion of the Bears' target share, but that went out the window quickly. Through three games, Raymond leads the Bears with 21 targets, which he turned into 19 catches for 214 yards and a touchdown. He has twice been his team's leading receiver (wins over Carolina and Philadelphia). Raymond ranks 12th among wide receivers in fantasy production (15.5 fantasy points per game), and his production on punt returns adds to his overall fantasy value."
Our Take: ESPN's theme this week is each team's fantasy surprise. For the Bears, it has easily been Kalif Raymond. He's been worth owning all year so far, and Ben Johnson seems to enjoy using him in the attack. It hasn't mattered who is under center either, as Raymond has caught passes from everyone. Will it continue with other great weapons also in the room? Only time will tell.
NFL.com
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 12
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
Author: Nick Shook
Author’s Take: "Who needs Caleb Williams when you have ... Case Keenum?! Monday night served as a testament to the value of experience and lasting athletic talent, because they blended perfectly to produce a memorable performance for Keenum, the 38-year-old who diced up the Eagles and propelled Chicago’s offense to a 20-point victory. As impressive as Keenum was, so too was Chicago’s defense, which stifled Philadelphia’s offense, forced three turnovers, and ensured the Eagles weren’t going to come close to mounting a comeback. It’s only one win, but it represents a whole lot more for the Bears, who had every reason to lose themselves in self-pity. They instead decided to rise above and drop a hammer on Philadelphia."
Our Take: Nick Shook of NFL.com made a fair point in reaction to Keenum's big game, but he also acknowledged that it would have been easy for the Bears to lay down and let the season slip away, and they did quite the opposite.
NBC Sports (PFT)
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 10
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
Author: Mike Florio
Author’s Take: "They should ride with Case Keenum until Caleb Williams returns."
Our Take: There is no doubt that Case Keenum should start until Caleb Williams is healthy. He may continue to play as he did on Monday, which was excellent. That also lets Ben Johnson keep the Tyson Bagent card in his back pocket longer. Why put them both on film if you don't have to?
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears power rankings roundup: Where Chicago lands in Week 4
