Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) and Lovie Smith head to the locker room after beating the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Here are the Week 17 power rankings from various sites around the web:
Analysis, “They took care of business against Arizona, but they still need help. The Bears have to win and (gasp) root for the Packers against the Vikes.”
Analysis, “The Chicago Bears rode the coattails of a defense that suddenly looks opportunistic again, scoring its eighth defensive touchdown of the 2012 season to get things started in Arizona. Two quarters later, the D added a ninth. ( Thank you, Charles Tillman.) “Peanut” and the rest of Lovie Smith’s players still go as far as the offensive line will take them, in my eyes. It should be noted that despite all the abuse this Bears team has taken, it still owns a 9-6 mark. If Chicago wins at Detroit and Minnesota loses to/ties Green Bay, the Bears are playing January football.”
CBS Sports: #12 (Last week: #13)
Analysis, “They have some hope to get in, but they have to be careful at Detroit. Health remains an issue.”
Pro Football Talk: #14 (Last week: #17)
Analysis, “The team that hates the Packers more than any other suddenly loves them on Sunday, since a Green Bay win over the Vikings is a key ingredient in a postseason appearance by the Bears.”
Pro Football Weekly: #13 (Last week: #15)
Analysis, “That’s the Bears’ “D” we’re used to; still need win, help to make playoffs.”
Best ranking: NFL.com: #11
Worst ranking: Pro Football Talk: #14
Thoughts on this week’s power rankings?
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the
