Week 1 of the new NFL season means that power rankings are prominent again. Every news source under the sun ranks all 32 NFL teams based on how good they are. These rankings are always fluid, but they are the most difficult to do ahead of Week 1 because nobody has played a real game yet. A lot can be learned in training camp, joint practices, and preseason games, but nothing is as definitive as the matches that count.
The Chicago Bears are coming into the 2026 season with a good reputation. Because of the season they put together in 2025, they are seen as a top-10 team. However, they must play well again if they are going to maintain that respect.
The Bears came in at No. 6on our power ranking ahead of Week 1. A lot of that has to do with head coach
Ben Johnson controlling the offense that they have with the weapons surrounding Caleb Williams. Other major media outlets have the Bears ranked like this:
USA Today
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 5
Last Week’s Ranking: NA
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take: "'I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever, which happens to be the 2013 Denver Broncos,' HC Ben Johnson told The Athletic last month. That Peyton Manning-led Denver squad scored 37.9 points per game, roughly 50% more than the 2025 Bears, before it managed eight in a humiliating Super Bowl 48 loss. Eye on the ball coach, maybe not the record book?"
Our Take: Ben Johnson's offense may have to score at a historic pace to totally overcome their defense in 2026. The best in NFL history? That may be a stretch. The best in Bears history? That is certainly possible, although it's not a high bar.
The Athletic
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 10
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
Author: Josh Kendall & Chad Graff
Author’s Take: "There are questions on defense about the pass rush and depth on the back end after Coby Bryant’s injury. But Caleb Williams is promising, and Ben Johnson seems like the real deal, so how far can the offense carry this team? If Dennis Allen can manufacture some pressure, this could be a really good team."
Our Take: The Bears have a lot riding on their offense. However, their defense being better than advertised would allow the team to take the franchise to new heights in 2026. A lot is riding on how much support the offense will get from the opposite side of the ball.
ESPN
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 17
Last Week’s Ranking: NA
Author: Courtney Cronin
Author’s Take: Each ESPN power ranking will have a different theme each week. This week's is more of a long-winded preview, but Courtney Cronin and the staff there believe the same thing as everybody else. They highlight Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, and the offense, while having concerns about the defense.
Our Take: No. 17 is the lowest you will find the Bears ranked on this sheet. It may be the lowest that any outlet, big or small, has them ranked on the entire internet. Clearly, the Bears have to do it again to gain the trust of some people.
NFL.com
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 11
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Author: Nick Shook
Author’s Take: "I have questions about the Bears' young receiving corps, though I am much more concerned about their pieced-together secondary following some terrible injury luck early in camp. I can be convinced this isn't a massive issue if Chicago limits Bryce Young and Kyler Murray in the first two weeks of the season."
Our Take: Shook made a good point about the first two opponents that the Bears will face, but he (like everybody else) has issues with the defense. Instead of bringing up the pass rush, however, he is worried about the secondary. That is also a major concern.
NBC Sports (PFT)
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 6
Last Week’s Ranking: NA
Author: Mike Florio
Author’s Take: "Forty-one years after the pinnacle of the 46 defense, can they do enough on that side of the ball?"
Our Take: The always short but sweet Mike Florio thinks very highly of the Bears again. He was ahead of most when it came to having them in the top-ten last year, and he already has them as high as six. Of course, the defense is his concern, but a ranking this high must mean that he really loves the offense.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Where the Bears land in NFL power rankings before Week 1
