NFL Power Rankings: Chicago Bears and 3 Mid-Range Teams That Must Separate

In the NFL, there isn't much of a difference between a 10-6 team and a 6-10 team. We see teams make those jumps in both directions every year.

Actually, it's not too uncommon for jumps greater than that to be seen from teams that don't seem to change much from one year to the next.

These teams are all hanging around the middle of the pack right now. Maybe you think I have them too high, or too low. But the bottom line is that all sit at 2-2.

If they are going to make a playoff run, they need to break the current trends and start winning a lot more than they lose.

Oakland Raiders

From going 6-0 in division play in 2010, to being a matter of inches away from a 2-0 start, to beating the Jets, the Raiders have had deservedly high expectations.

But the fact is that they are 2-2 right now and headed to Houston for a very tough game. If they can't beat the Texans, they will likely be two games behind the Chargers, who host the Broncos in a game they will be heavily favored in. 

Even though they have two games left against the Chargers, the road will get no easier for Oakland. In a deep AFC, they need to break out fast to show that they are a real contender for a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have had a hard time this year against quality opponents. As strange as it feels to say this, the Week 5 game against the Titans is a much less desperate situation for Tennessee than Pittsburgh.

Having already lost convincingly to the Bengals and dealing with injuries, the Steelers need to show that they are a team that resembles the AFC Champions of last season.

At No. 14, the Steelers will take a big step in either direction this week.

Chicago Bears

The first week against the Falcons was a resounding success. Since then, the Bears have lost to the Saints and Packers, and struggled to beat the Panthers at home.

While the Lions are 4-0, they have shown vulnerability. Notably, they tend to fall behind early. If the Bears get the chance, they need to jump the Lions and put them away early.

If the Bears lose to Detroit, they will be 2-3 in a division with at least one 5-0 team. That would not bode well for a playoff berth.

Michael Dixon's Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

Team	Record
1. Green Bay Packers	4-0
2. Detroit Lions	4-0
3. New Orleans Saints	3-1
4. Baltimore Ravens	3-1
5. Houston Texans	3-1
6. Buffalo Bills	3-1
7. New England Patriots	3-1
8. San Diego Chargers	3-1
9. Washington Redskins	3-1
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	3-1
11. New York Giants	3-1
12. San Francisco 49ers	3-1
13. Tennessee Titans	3-1
14. Pittsburgh Steelers	2-2
15. Oakland Raiders	2-2
16. New York Jets	2-2
17. Chicago Bears	2-2
18. Atlanta Falcons	2-2
19. Dallas Cowboys	2-2
20. Philadelphia Eagles	1-3
21. Cincinnati Bengals	2-2
22. Carolina Panthers	1-3
23. Cleveland Browns	2-2
24. Arizona Cardinals	1-3
25. Seattle Seahawks	1-3
26. Jacksonville Jaguars	1-3
27. Denver Broncos	1-3
28. Kansas City Chiefs	1-3
29. Indianapolis Colts	0-4
30. St. Louis Rams	0-4
31. Minnesota Vikings	0-4
32. Miami Dolphins	0-4