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NFL Power Rankings 2012: Bears remain at No. 3 despite Week 10 loss

The Chicago Bears hold steady at No. 3 in the latest SB Nation Power Rankings, but their status going forward will largely depend on the availability of Jay Cutler.

By Brendan Porath
Jonathan Daniel

The Chicago Bears suffered their second loss of the season on Sunday night, but that performance did not affect their standing in the SB Nation Power Rankings. The Bears weren't exactly playing one of the dog teams in the league, as the loss came at the hands of the new No. 1 team in the rankings -- the Houston Texans. The opponent, combined with the injury to Jay Cutler, convinced Joel Thorman to keep the Bears at No. 3:

3. Chicago Bears (LW: 3, 7-2): I had the Bears sixth. Then I had them fourth. Then fifth. I couldn't make up my mind. So, they stay where they were at then after losing by just one touchdown to our top-ranked team. If Jay Cutler's concussion doesn't cost him much time, the Bears will survive.

The Falcons join the Texans as the only teams ranked higher than the 7-2 Bears. Cutler's status going forward is still unknown, and Chicago has another primetime game against the 49ers in Week 11. San Francisco is inside Thorman's top 10, and on the road, it should be another tough test for Lovie Smith's group.

Everything seems to hinge on Cutler's availability, as there was clear drop off with Jason Campbell under center in the second half. San Francisco possesses one of the league's most feared pass rushes and it won't get any easier for Chicago's offense, particularly up front.