ESPN has released their NFL Power Rankings, and the Chicago Bears are currently ranked at No. 10 as the last team in the playoffs for the NFC. They are ranked two spots ahead of the Atlanta Falcons (whom they hold a tiebreaker over by virtue of a head-to-head victory in Week 1), and six spots ahead of the Eagles. As far as ESPN is concerned, the Bears are in control of their own playoff destiny, but they still have lingering issues:
The Bears had a quiet bye week, and no one criticized the offensive play calling. (Clayton)
ESPN used a panel of five voters on ESPN.com's NFL staff: writers John Clayton (NFC North), Ashley Fox (NFC East), James Walker (AFC East, AFC North), Paul Kuharsky (AFC South, AFC West), and Mike Sando (NFC South, NFC West). So now you know where to direct your fan(?) mail.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Bears be sure to visit Windy City Gridiron. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.