Brady Puts Bears First in NFL Power Rankings

Tom Brady has placed the Chicago Bears first in his latest NFL power rankings, moving them up from fifth after their 34-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He had initially considered the Buffalo Bills for the top spot, but said he was honoring his earlier suggestion that a win in Seattle could lift Chicago to No. 1.

Brady, now a Fox Sports analyst, ranked Buffalo second. He noted that Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson was injured in the Bills’ win over the Ravens, taking away from the matchup he had wanted to see between the teams.

Chicago’s new defensive end Jeffery Simmons made a notable effect in his Chicago debut versus Seattle, recording six tackles and a sack. The Bears acquired the All-Pro from Tennessee in a trade involving several future draft picks, including two first-round selections.

Brady described the rankings as separate from the league standings and said Chicago’s energy helped sway him. He also pointed to the team’s response after Seattle cut the lead to one score late in the game, and said the next test was seeing what quarterback Caleb Williams could do.

The Bears host Brady’s former team, Tampa Bay, on November 8. They are also scheduled to face the Bills on December 19 and have divisional games against Green Bay, Detroit and Minnesota ahead. Brady ranked the Lions sixth and Vikings seventh. Chicago’s results in those games could help determine whether its 6-2 start reflects a genuine contender.