2021 NFL Power Rankings: Chicago Bears
Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Here is where the Chicago Bears rank in terms of average, best and worst:
- Average ranking: 23.8 (24th)
- Best ranking: 21st (CBS Sports)
- Worst ranking: 29th (NFL.com)
Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Bears in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 23
Biggest surprise: LB Robert Quinn
Why it's a surprise: After an uninspiring 2020 season, Quinn has been all over the field for the Bears defense through four games. The veteran pass-rusher leads the team with 4.5 sacks and has recorded multiple tackles for loss. Quinn said he is in a better place mentally and spiritually this season -- and it's showing on the field. When Quinn is paired with Khalil Mack, the Bears have one of the most formidable edge rusher duos in the NFC North. -- Jeff Dickerson
Why it's a surprise: After an uninspiring 2020 season, Quinn has been all over the field for the Bears defense through four games. The veteran pass-rusher leads the team with 4.5 sacks and has recorded multiple tackles for loss. Quinn said he is in a better place mentally and spiritually this season -- and it's showing on the field. When Quinn is paired with Khalil Mack, the Bears have one of the most formidable edge rusher duos in the NFC North. -- Jeff Dickerson
NFL.com -- Rank: 29
Week 4 brought undeniable progress for the Bears and their beleaguered offense. Chicago scored on David Montgomery touchdown runs in each of its first two possessions en route to a 24-14 win over the woeful Lions. Justin Fields was better in his second career start, and the offensive line did a much better job protecting the rookie QB (funny how that works when it's not Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney screaming around the edges). Also notable was a schematic shift for the Bears, who saw offensive coordinator Bill Lazor take over play-calling duties to positive results. Matt Nagy didn't seem thrilled to talk about the switch after the win, but Chicago's offense is probably better off with the head coach out of the captain's chair.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 21
Justin Fields got his first NFL victory against the Lions with a solid showing. But he goes back to the bench if Andy Dalton is back, which is a questionable move.
USA Today -- Rank: 24
Matt Nagy is the new Jason Garrett, his team going 20-20 over its last 40 games. At least Chicago showed far better offensive balance in QB Justin Fields' second start.
The Athletic -- Rank: 22
The Bears didn't fully unleash Justin Fields but at least we got to see something exciting out of the rookie quarterback against Detroit. Fields showed impressive poise and pocket presence and was sacked just one time, and while he didn't have a ton of passing opportunities (he completed 11 of 17 attempts), you would think it was enough to convince Matt Nagy to name Fields the permanent starter. (But you'd be wrong: Nagy continues to say Andy Dalton will be back under center when he's healthy.)
Previous updates:
- Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
- Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
- Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
- Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
- Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft
More Chicago Bears pages:
- Chicago Bears Mock Draft Roundup
- Chicago Bears Snap Counts
- Chicago Bears Franchise Leaders
- Chicago Bears Draft History
- Chicago Bears Schedule
- Chicago Bears Tickets
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- 2022 NFL Mock Draft
- 2023 NFL Mock Draft
- 2022 NBA Mock Draft
- Fantasy Football Rankings
- NFL Power Rankings
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