NFL Power Rankings Roundup Week 11: Cardinals move up after win
Nov 18, 2015, 10:22 AM | Updated: 5:24 pm
(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
The Arizona Cardinals started off the second half of their 2015 season in impressive fashion, beating the Seattle Seahawks 39-32 Sunday night at CenturyLink Field.
It was Arizona’s second win in their last three games in Seattle and the victory gives them a comfortable three-game lead in the NFC West with only seven contests remaining.
The win impressed those around the country, too. Bruce Arians’ team saw a bump in their positioning in various NFL Power Rankings this week.
NFL Power Rankings, Week 11: Cardinals, Vikings enter top five
#4 (up 2 spots)
Don’t think too many fans should take issue with the Cardinals’ jump up the ranks here. Every time I watch Carson Palmer set up in the pocket, deliver that intermediate throw on time and on target with that compact motion of his, I see Troy Aikman. They have the same build, generally don’t get too up or too down (minus Palmer’s brief moment of Stantonism on the sideline in Seattle) and stand tall in the pocket. What’s interesting to note is that Aikman retired prior to Year 13. This is Year 13 for Palmer. #UCLA #USC
2015 NFL Power Rankings: Week 11
#3 (up 3 spots)
After beating the Seahawks, the Cardinals have a commanding lead in the NFC West. The last time Arizona won the division was 2009.
NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Surging Chiefs charge into top 10
#4 (up 2 spots)
Following the best season of his career in 2005, Carson Palmer received two of a possible 50 MVP votes. He finished fifth behind Shaun Alexander, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Tiki Barber. His play this season deserves to net him more love, even with that Brady fella still lighting up defenses.
2015 NFL Power Rankings: Week 11
#3 (up 1 spot)
Carson Palmer has thrown for at least 275 yards passing or three touchdowns in every game this season. The Cardinals are legit.
NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Rank Heading into Week 11?
#4 (up 2 spots)
The Cardinals are rolling after three straight wins, and they now hold a cozy three-game lead atop the NFC West. That comfy cushion has largely been provided by Palmer, who recorded his fourth game with three-plus touchdown passes Sunday night. He’s thrown 23 TD in total, with only seven interceptions.
2015 NFL power rankings, Week 11: Steelers, Chiefs climb; Bengals, Broncos, and Packers drop
#3 (up 1 spot)
After the Panthers, Arizona looks like the NFC’s other top contender for the Super Bowl right now. The Cardinals can score points in bunches. They can play defense. They are a complete team and are always aggressive.
NFL Power Rankings: Perfect Pats, Bengals, Panthers not unbeatable
#4 (up 1 spot)
That was a huge statement game they won at Seattle. The NFC West is their division to lose.
NFL Power Rankings: Broncos could be a better team with Brock Osweiler
#4 (up 1 spot)
Tyrann Mathieu is an incredible player for the Cardinals’ defense. He fills any role they need him to be in and does everything really well.
#3 (up 1 spot)
The team that once perpetually sucked now has a quarterback who is willing to do the “suck it” gesture.
#4 (up 3 spots)
Can’t say they haven’t beaten anyone now. Only the Patriots have a more impressive aggregate margin of victory.