PFW associate editor presents a running meter that indicates the Bears' top MVP candidates through their most recent game:

(Last week's ranking in parentheses)

1. DE Julius Peppers (3): Peppers had to leave the game in the final minute after he appeared to take a hit to the head while trying to tackle Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. He said later that he only got the wind knocked out of him, but he was the one supplying most of the knocks Sunday. Peppers was credited with a tackle for loss and four quarterback hits. His dominant presence on defense is irreplaceable.

2. MLB Brian Urlacher (2): He didn't have any takeaways or sacks against Buffalo, but he played a major role in holding the Bills to 46 yards on 18 carries. Urlacher tied for the team lead with nine tackles and was also credited with a pass breakup on a throw to the endzone that was intended for WR David Nelson. He wasn't as disruptive as Peppers, though.

3. QB Jay Cutler (1): A turnover by Cutler nearly cost the Bears again. He was careless with the ball early in the fourth quarter as Chicago led by just one point and had it stripped from him by Buffalo's Spencer Johnson, who also recovered the fumble. It set up a drive that resulted in a touchdown. Cutler did throw two TD passes and picked up a couple first downs while rushing five times for 39 yards. The fumble was his glaring mistake.

4. DE Israel Idonije (5): It was a homecoming of sorts for Idonije, a native Canadian who grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, and he didn't disappoint. He had half a sack, was credited with three quarterback hits and also blocked PK Rian Lindell's third-quarter extra-point attempt. He leads the Bears in sacks (five).

5. (tie) WLB Lance Briggs (NR) and CB Charles Tillman (NR): Briggs returned from an ankle injury and made six stops, including one for loss. Three of his six tackles were made after gains of two yards or less. Brian Iwuh did a nice job filling in while Briggs was hurt, but there's no doubt the Bears' defense is glad to have Briggs back. The Bills were driving in Bears' territory in the third quarter when Tillman stripped RB Fred Jackson of the ball and recovered it. Chicago scored a TD nine plays later. Tillman has four forced fumbles and two interceptions this season.