NFL Power Rankings: San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears Ready for Massive Fall

The problem with the Chargers and Bears is they just aren't that good, and this annoying fact will result in them sliding down the power rankings as the season progresses.

Take a look at the facts.

*I used ESPN's power rankings

No. 9 San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have looked like anything but the Chargers this year. They were actually winning games early in their schedule. However, they are playing worse than they have in recent years where they struggled at the beginning of the season.

This starts with the passing game. It is not the same. RB Mike Tolbert leads a team in catches that is usually bombing it downfield to receivers.

It is clear that Philip Rivers has not been his usual amazing self. Take a look at his stats from this season.

The Chargers' problems are not all on the offensive end either. They are really struggling to stop the run. They are allowing 4.7 yards per rush.

Combine these problems with the following schedule and you've got a Chargers team that will plummet down the rankings.

Prediction: Chargers finish 8-8

No. 10 Chicago Bears

Anyone who has watched the Bears this season knows their offensive line is terrible. They have allowed 21 sacks, and Jay Cutler is pressured almost every pass attempt. 

This isn't really any different than it was last year when they made the NFC championship game, though.

What is different is that this defense is a shell of last season's version. The Bears are allowing 5.2 yards per carry. This is going to kill them as the season wears on.

It is impossible to have prolonged success in this league if you can't protect your passer and you can't stop the run—especially when facing this schedule.

Prediction: Bears finish 7-9

*Stat and schedule graphics via NFL.com