NFL Power Rankings Roundup Week 12: Cardinals in top three … for the most part

Nov 25, 2015, 2:06 PM

Arizona Cardinals Fans in the first half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

Two weeks, two Sunday Night Football appearances, two wins.

That’s been the story of the last couple games for the Arizona Cardinals. Bruce Arians’ team followed up their road win in Seattle with another impressive victory, this time knocking off the Cincinnati Bengals, who came to town sporting an 8-1 record.

Cincinnati, like pretty much every else this year, had trouble stopping the Cardinals’ potent passing game. Carson Palmer threw for four touchdowns and rookie J.J. Nelson became the fourth Arizona receiver to post a 100-yard game this season as he snared four catches for 142 yards and a touchdown.

There’s not much room to move for the Cardinals to move up in the NFL power rankings, but they did make a slight push after the Cincinnati win — except on ESPN’s poll, which actually dropped them one position.

Here’s how the Cardinals stand in various power rankings from around the league heading into Week 12.

NFL Power Rankings, Week 12: Cards jump Bengals; Eagles sink

#3 (up 1 spot)

Another steady step up the rankings for the Cardinals, who are now sturdily in the three-hole. What makes for a solid hitter in the three-hole? Someone who has a balanced approach — someone who can hit for power and take a few pitches, and who is generally better at hitting to all fields than the cleanup man. Tell me that doesn’t describe Arizona under Bruce Arians. The Cards can run the football with two quality RBs, and Carson Palmer distributes the ball while being able to connect deep when appropriate. Would love to see the Cardinals win their first Super Bowl this season. But let’s not put the victory beret before the headset. #Arians

2015 NFL Power Rankings: Week 12

#4 (down 1 spot)

The Cardinals have scored 336 points through 10 games. They scored 326 points, including playoffs, all of last season.

Week 12 Power Rankings: Dangerous Seahawks climb back into top 10

#3 (up 1 spot)

Once Bruce Arians had that all-important “Hey, you don’t play for the Bengals anymore, stop throwing them the ball” discussion with Carson Palmer Sunday night, the Cardinals’ offense again took off. The star? J.J. Nelson, Arizona’s latest find at wide receiver.

2015 NFL Power Rankings: Week 12

#3 (holding steady)

When the Cardinals needed it most, Carson Palmer led a game-winning field goal drive against Cincinnati by throwing passes of 19, 18 and then 20 yards, with no timeouts. Arizona is legit and a Week 16 game against the Packers could loom large for playoff seeding. View season trend.

NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Rank Heading into Week 12?

#3 (up 1 spot)

Over the next two weeks, Arizona can essentially claim a division title with a pair of victories over the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams. The Cards would then be 10-2 overall and 4-1 in the division with only four games to play, including a final meeting with the Seahawks. The Cardinals already hold a three-game lead in the division. A major collapse would be needed for Seattle to make any type of move.

NFL power rankings 2015, Week 12: Seahawks, Texans move up; Vikings, Falcons drop

#3 (holding steady)

The Cardinals proved they’re not to be trifled with by winning a great game over the Bengals on Sunday Night Football. Arizona’s offense continues to be deadly, and in the last two games have posted 73 points against two of the league’s better scoring defenses in Seattle and Cincinnati. Carson Palmer is dealing it right now, and the Cardinals have a surplus of weaponry to work with.

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