Bears drop 6 spots in ESPN NFL Power Rankings entering Week 5

The Chicago Bears lost to the New York Giants in Week 4 in what was another lackluster performance by quarterback Justin Fields and the passing game. It was an unfortunate outcome in a contest that was supposed to give Chicago’s offense a chance to get on track.

Instead, Fields led the Bears to just four field goals and 12 points. The uninspiring effort impacted their standing in ESPN’s Week 5 NFL Power Rankings, dropping Chicago six spots from No. 22 down to No. 28.

“The Bears are the NFL’s worst team against the run, having allowed 733 rushing yards through four games (183.3 yards per game), and are on pace to reach historically low marks,” ESPN’s Courtney Cronin wrote. “As if getting gashed by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon wasn’t enough to have the Bears licking their wounds after a Week 2 loss at Green Bay, Giants running back Saquon Barkley totaled 145 yards on 31 carries and earned 94 of his rushing yards after first contact in Week 4.”

READ: Matt Eberflus finds positives in Bears’ passing game despite loss to Giants

The Bears are staring at a critical Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings, who are tied atop the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers at 3-1. A loss will drop Chicago two games behind Minnesota and potentially the Packers, assuming Green Bay defeats the Giants in London on Sunday.

The Vikings currently rank No. 7 on ESPN’s power rankings, while the Packers check in at No. 4. The Detroit Lions’ power ranking held firm at No. 25, which now gives the Bears the unfortunate distinction of being the lowest-ranked team in the NFC North at the start of Week 5.