Bears Blitz

NFL Power Rankings: Chicago Bears and Teams Sure to Fall in Week 9

Published by Nicholas Goss on November 4, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are one of several teams facing tough matchups this week that will be difficult to win.

As the second half of the NFL season begins, it is make or break time for several teams. Every game from here on out is a must win.

Let’s look at three teams who will fall from the NFL Power Rankings in Week 9.

1. Chicago Bears

The Philadelphia Eagles are playing very well right now amidst a two-game winning streak and will continue their winning ways against the Chicago Bears on Monday night at home.

The Eagles destroyed the Dallas Cowboys 34-7 last week in a must-win game for them. They have to win again against the Bears to avoid dropping to 3-5.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick did not throw an interception last week, which was huge for the offense because turnovers have killed them all season.

Philly will beat the Bears in the passing game and without any Vick turnovers, Chicago won’t be able to match the Eagles’ scoring output.

2. San Diego Chargers

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is having an unimpressive season and against the Green Bay Packers‘ talented defense this week he will continue to struggle.

With injuries to San Diego running backs Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert, Rivers will have to carry the offense. He will fail in this task because he has thrown so many interceptions this season and the Packers secondary is full of playmakers, such as safety Nick Collins and cornerback Charles Woodson.

Rivers has 11 interceptions and five fumbles this season, and against a physical defense with an all-pro in every area, the Chargers and their quarterback will find it hard to be successful on Sunday.

3. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots defense was beaten badly by the Pittsburgh Steelers passing game last week in a 25-17 loss at Heinz Field, and at home against the New York Giants this week the Patriots pass defense will be shredded again.

New England ranks last in pass defense this season, and with Eli Manning coming to town that is a problem.

Manning has thrown just five interceptions this season after throwing a career-high 25 picks last year. With running back Ahmad Bradshaw finding out he has a cracked bone in his foot, the Giants may pass more this week than they anticipated.

This is a terrible break for the Patriots, who are actually a decent run stopping team. The Giants pass rush will get to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on Sunday and contain one of football’s best passing offenses.

The Giants will improve to 6-2 atop the NFC East with a big win in Foxboro this week.

Nicholas Goss’ Week 9 NFL Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

3. New Orleans Saints

4. San Francisco 49ers

5. New England Patriots

6. New York Giants

7. Baltimore Ravens

8. Detroit Lions

9. Buffalo Bills

10. Cincinnati Bengals