2018 NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Cowboys hot, Steelers not

CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears carries the football in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Recap: Coordinator Vic Fangio and his defensive unit would have quite the challenge on Sunday night as the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams invaded Soldier Field. Bears’ head coach Matt Magy would have quarterback Mitch Trubisky at the controls after a two-game absence. And he appeared a bit rusty despite throwing a third-quarter touchdown pass to tackle eligible Bradley Sowell. The second-year pro was also picked off three times and finished with only 110 yards through the air. But this game belong to Fangio’s defense. It limited the Rams to 214 total yards, sacked Jared Goff three times (once for a safety) and stole four of his passes.

Next Week: The Bears look to exact some revenge from their heartbreaking 24-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field back in Week 1. All told, Chicago has dropped five straight in this legendary rivalry dating back to ‘16. And starting with the 2010 NFC title game, the Bears have lost eight straight to the Pack at Soldier Field.

Playoff hopes: The team wrapped up its first winning campaign since 2012, when the club finished 10-6 but failed to reach the playoffs. This is a club that has come a long way considering the franchise had finished last in the NFC North each of the previous four seasons. Now Nagy and company eye the Bears’ first division title since 2010.

Next: No. 6