The Seattle Seahawks suffered a tough 34-17 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 8 that has dampened their status among the best contenders in the NFL.

Bleacher Report ranked the Seahawks No. 13 overall in their Week 9 Power Rankings following their disappointing loss to the Bears.

“At 4-4, Seattle's record properly represents who the reigning Super Bowl champions have been this year,” Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski said. “In fact, the Seahawks have lost three of their last four, so their previous domination over the Chiefs appears to be an aberration.”

The Seahawks struggled to establish control against Chicago. Despite mounting a second-half comeback attempt and cutting the deficit to 20-17, Seattle couldn't maintain its momentum. The Bears responded with consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter, pulling away and handing the Seahawks a costly defeat.

Seattle's defeat raises questions about its ability to consistently win and take care of the ball.

Sam Darnold once again struggled to protect the ball, as he threw another interception while failing to provide the Seahawks with the winning production that they need from their starting quarterback. The Seahawks did, however, have their healthiest backfield of the season, with Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price both having returned from injury. Their presence provided Seattle with additional options offensively, but neither rushed for more than 29 yards in the game.

Losing to a Chicago team Seattle is widely considered to be better than, even with the Bears also being contenders, damages the Seahawks' standing among the NFL's elite. Until Darnold takes better care of the football and the team gets over their current slump with consistent play, questions surrounding Seattle's championship potential will persist.