NFL Power Rankings Roundup Week 11: Cardinals move up after win

Nov 18, 2015, 10:22 AM | Updated: 5:24 pm

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

BY VINCE MAROTTA

Arizona Sports

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.

PFT’s Week 11 power rankings

#3 (up 1 spot)

The team that once perpetually sucked now has a quarterback who is willing to do the “suck it” gesture.

USA Today Power Rankings

#4 (up 3 spots)

Can’t say they haven’t beaten anyone now. Only the Patriots have a more impressive aggregate margin of victory.

Follow @Vincemarotta

Arizona Cardinals unning back Andre Ellington, right, gets away from Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald, right, hugs tight end Jermaine Gresham, left, after Gresham caught a pass for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham holds the football behind his back as a television camera records his celebration after his touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham makes a catch for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) fumbles as he is tackled by Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. Seahawks' Bobby Wagner recovered the fumble and ran for a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs the ball as Arizona Cardinals' Frostee Rucker (92) and Calais Campbell (93) try for the tackle during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) returns an Arizona Cardinals fumble for a touchdown as Cardinals' Lyle Sendlein (63) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, center is hit by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril, left, before fumbling during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. The Seahawks recovered and scored a touchdown on the following play. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, hands off to running back Marshawn Lynch, center, on a touchdown run against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes under pressure from Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is hit by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel just after getting a pass off during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll watches from the sideline during the second half of his team's NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) and holder Drew Butler react after Catanzaro kicked a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, center, is greeted by teammate Jimmy Graham, right, after Baldwin's touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, right, runs for a touchdown ahead of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers after a reception during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu is tackled by Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham after he intercepted a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians yells as he stands next to quarterback Carson Palmer during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) makes a catch as Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas, center, and cornerback Richard Sherman defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

An ambulance is brought in to take injured Arizona Cardinals guard Mike Iupati off the field after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

An ambulance is brought in to take injured Arizona Cardinals guard Mike Iupati off the field, during the first half of the Cardinals' NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) kneels on the turf as teammate Mike Iupati, left, is tended to by trainers after Iupati was injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes as Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) attempts the tackle in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks fans cheer as they hold a French flag Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, during the first half of an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals in Seattle, to show support for France after Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd catches a pass for a touchdown as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Cary Williams defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd comes down in bounds for a touchdown as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Cary Williams tries for the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd catches a pass for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) is greeted by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after Floyd scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd, left, catches a pass for a touchdown ahead of Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) and cornerback Richard Sherman during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril runs out of the tunnel carrying a French flag in support of France, which was hit with terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril holds a French flag in the tunnel in support of France, which was hit with terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, as he stands next to U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician 2nd Class Darren Harrity holding a U.S. flag, before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril as Cardinals' Jermaine Gresham (84) blocks, in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) recovers his own fumble in the end zone for a safety next to Cardinals' Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, left, is tackled by Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright, center, in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) kicks a field goal against the Seattle Seahawks as Drew Butler holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd, top, as Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs the ball as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes under pressure from Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes as center Patrick Lewis (65) blocks Arizona Cardinals' Calais Campbell (93) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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