NFL Power Rankings Week 9: 2 Teams That Are Completely Average

If one thing is clear through eight weeks of the 2011 NFL season, it is that despite some preseason hype, the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers are completely average teams.

While the Bears have won two straight, their 4-3 record is more indicative of their overall ability as a team. Chicago's current win streak is a result of facing terrible competition. The Bears have beaten a terrible Minnesota Vikings squad and a scuffling Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. I haven't been impressed by Chicago at all this season and there's a good reason for that. 

Offensively, the Bears rank 16th in total yardage, averaging 337.4 yards per game. They are 17th in passing yardage (222.7 yards per game) and 16th in rushing yardage (114.7 yards per game).

Defensively, Chicago ranks 23rd in total yardage, surrendering 380.6 yards per game. The team's pass defense ranks 28th league-wide, giving up a dismal 271.9 yards per game. 

Even with running back Matt Forte having an outstanding season, the above statistics represent the exploits of a wholly average team. 

No one should expect anything great out of the Bears this season, because they simply aren't a very good squad.

The San Diego Chargers have dropped to 4-3 after losing two consecutive games. This weekend, they will welcome the undefeated Green Bay Packers to town. That means Norv Turner's squad is likely headed for a 4-4 mark, which is exactly where they deserve to be.

The Chargers have incredible talent on both sides of the ball. However, they keep making mistakes and have played with absolutely zero urgency or fire this season. Quarterback Philip Rivers has already thrown 11 interceptions this season against just seven touchdowns. His late fourth-quarter fumble on Monday night cost his team a sure win against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rivers has just not been himself so far in 2011. 

The problem for the Chargers is that they don't take advantage of their opportunities. They are sixth in the NFL in total offense (399.4 yards per game), but those yards haven't been converted into points. They are just 15th in scoring (23.0 points per game). 

The team's defense has been stout and currently ranks sixth in the league (303.6 yards per game). However, because the offense hasn't been converting in the red zone, that defensive effort has been wasted.

Unless Norv Turner finds a magic solution to his team's problems, the Chargers will be at home during the playoffs again this year.

NFL Power Rankings, Week 9

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