The 5 Worst NFL Defenses Through Week 9

Chicago Bears

Adjusted Defensive NEP/P: 0.157 (31st)
Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP/P: 0.220 (29th)
Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP/P: 0.097 (31st)

Right behind the New Orleans Saints in defensive inefficiency stands the Chicago Bears.

Not only are the Bears one of the worst teams in the league against the pass -- their 0.220 Passing NEP allowed per drop back ranks them 29th in the league in this metric -- they also can't stop the run, ranking as the 31st most efficient defense against opposing rushing offenses as well.

This has led to a team giving up the sixth most points per game at 27.6 and the ninth most yards on the ground on a per-game basis at 121.6. That's what happens when you try to install a 3-4 defense on a roster that's built to run the 4-3. And while the team has already tried to remedy this by jettisoning Jared Allen in a trade earlier this year, that sixth-round draft pick they got in return won't be of any help this season.

In terms of fantasy football, their inefficiency in all facets of the game has caused this team to spread out the production on opposing offenses, giving up just the 10th, 19th, and 17th most fantasy points to the quarterback, running back, and wide receiver position, respectively.

Sitting at a 3-5 record and with no signs of hope on the horizon for this defense, a strong argument can be made that the front office will need to blow things up on the defensive side of the ball and start over next season via free agency and the 2016 NFL Draft. Until then, have your popcorn ready to watch a number of shootouts whenever this unit takes the field.