Bears Blitz

NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Chicago Bears and 4 Real Contenders for NFC Crown

Published by Brian Mazique on November 29, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Even in defeat, the Bears showed they are legitimate contenders in the NFC. Despite playing without injured QB Jay Cutler, the Bears went into hostile territory in Oakland and only came up five points short.

Backup QB Caleb Hanie had a rough first half, but he played much better in the second, sans the fake clock stoppage on the last play of the game. He should improve and the Bears have the Kansas City Chiefs this week.

The Chiefs have been terrible offensively since a little before Matt Cassel went down. Over their last four games they are averaging just over six points per game.

That said, there shouldn’t be a ton of pressure on the Bears offense to score points. The Bears play two more very winnable games after the Chiefs visit. They are at Denver and home against the Seattle Seahawks before they take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.

I have a suspicion that if at all possible, Cutler will try to play in that game. The Bears won’t risk the farm, but if it is feasible, considering the impact the outcome it could have, he may go.

The Green Bay Packers continue to roll, and at 11-0, the talk is not only of a repeat as Super Bowl champions but an undefeated season. While their defense is a bit suspect, the offense is so potent that they haven’t had many scares.

Only four teams have stayed within one score of the Packers all season.

The New Orleans Saints seem to be back on track with their destruction of the fading New York Giants on Monday Night Football. The offense is back to hitting on all cylinders and Drew Brees‘ name is being mentioned as a MVP candidate. I don’t think he’s more deserving than Aaron Rodgers—or even Matt Forte for that matter—but he is having a good season.

The Saints are 8-3 and in control in the AFC South.

Despite losing on Thanksgiving, the final serious NFC contender is the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners defense and running game will keep them in any game against any opponent.

Jim Harbaugh is the runaway choice for Coach of the Year. He has as firm a grip on that as he does in his postgame handshakes.

The competition is nonexistent for the Niners in the NFC West. They should have the division wrapped up this week with a victory at home over the St. Louis Rams.

Here are my complete NFL Power Rankings:

1. Green Bay 11-0

2. Baltimore 8-3

3. Pittsburgh 8-3

4. San Francisco 9-2

5. New England 8-3

6. New Orleans 8-3

7. Chicago 7-4

8. Dallas 7-4

9. Cincinnati 7-4

10. Atlanta 7-4

11. Oakland 7-4