The Chicago Bears got a massive 30-24 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football one week ago, which gave them a mini-bye heading into Week 8. Most believed that the Bears were on that level this year, as long as quarterback Caleb Williams is healthy, but it was important to see it on the field.
Now, the Bears are going to start to climb up some of the most well-known power rankings. Their recent level of play, combined with the fact that Williams hasn't started and ended a game that has resulted in a loss yet, means there is no reason not to believe in them.
We had the Bears ranked fourth in our weekly power rankings, which is a jump up from sixth one week prior. But where did they land among other power rankings around the league?
USA Today
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 2
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take: "QB Caleb Williams has been lights out since his return. But after failing his Week 2 test against the Vikings, he'll try to pass this week's against Seattle's equally formidable D − and on the road this time."
Our Take: Nate Davis of USA Today is serious about the Chicago Bears. The belief in the quarterback is very real. However, it is fair to note that another big test, their biggest to date, awaits them.
The Athletic
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 5
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
Author: Josh Kendall, Chad Graff
Author’s Take: "The Patriots got a lot of pressure on Williams, but he was routinely able to sidestep defenders and make some incredible off-platform throws downfield. And don’t look now, but Williams is completing 71 percent of his passes while averaging 8.2 yards per attempt. Things are looking up in Chicago."
Our Take: To fit the Halloween spirit, the Athletic's theme is something spooky, which they named Caleb Williams' arm. It is fitting, as his arm (along with his legs) has helped him beat everyone he's played so far.
ESPN
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 7
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Author: Courtney Cronin
Author’s Take: "Thieneman and fellow rookie DB Malik Muhammad II have nearly identical stat lines this season, but the No. 25 pick gets the nod here for how he has handled the highest snap percentage of any Bears defender (97.58%). Thieneman is No. 1 or tied for the team lead in total tackles (47), passes defensed (five), and interceptions (one). He also has 1.5 sacks and three QB hits. Thieneman has had his share of learning moments, but the stability he has provided can't be overstated for a secondary that has dealt with moving parts since the start of training camp."
Our Take: ESPN's theme is the best offseason addition for each team. Courtney Cronin correctly decided that it is rookie safety Dillon Thieneman, who the Bears selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Oregon. Without him, their injury situation in the defensive backfield would be even more spooky than it already is.
NFL.com
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 9
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
Author: Nick Shook
Author’s Take: "The Bears won a Thursday nighter by simply making more key plays than the opposition. The screen to Luther Burden III for a touchdown was a treat to watch unfold, and Caleb Williams remains one of the most captivating watches in the entire league. His third-and-long pass to Rome Odunze, fired from the shadow of his own goalpost, made my jaw drop. It might still be on the floor."
Our Take: The Bears have to prove more to some people, and that is totally fair. If they beat the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, they might come in much higher than 9th on NFL.com's ranking ahead of Week 9.
NBC Sports (PFT)
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 8
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Author: Mike Florio
Author’s Take: "The NFC Championship matchup we almost got in January happens on Monday night."
Our Take: Over the Ben Johnson/Caleb Williams era, Mike Florio of PFT has mostly been the nicest to the Bears. However, they have to prove themselves more to get back into the top five after dropping out following the Williams injury. That's fair. He is accurate to remind everyone that the Bears were an overtime miracle (or perhaps a proper DJ Moore route) away from facing the Seahawks in the NFC Championship last year. Well, could Monday Night's game be a preview of that potential playoff matchup this year? Only time will tell. To say the Bears' reputation has a lot on the line this week would be an understatement.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears power rankings roundup: Where Chicago lands in Week 8
