What is happening with the Cardinals? The team occupying the top spot in the NFL Power Rankings has dropped like a rock. Now they're not even in pole position to win their division.
Everybody else near the top, however, is holding serve, with the Colts and Bengals making huge jumps.
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There are some swings in the NFC South, with the Saints and Panthers heading in the wrong direction. The Falcons went up a bit after a victory over the Detroit Lions. Let's take a look at where they are in this week's NFL hierarchy:
(12-3)
1
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is humming and injury concerns seem to be behind him. Good week for those of us who don’t want to see his toe in a Zoom call.
(11-4)
2
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs were getting by on defense for a while there. No longer. Pat Mahomes is primed for a playoff run. Bad week for anyone playing K.C.
(11-4)
3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucs won and no tablets got hurt in the process. Good week for Brady and electronics everywhere.
(11-4)
4
Los Angeles Rams
Cards are folding and the Rams are getting hot. Good week in LaLa-Land.
(11-4)
5
Dallas Cowboys
Destroyed a division rival and now own the NFC East. Good week at The Star.
(9-6)
6
6
Indianapolis Colts
Got trashed on Twitter for ranking Indy too low. Though the insults were unnecessary, that kind, lovely fellow was right. Finally got ‘em where they should be.
(10-5)
7
1
Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry might be back by Week 18?!? Titans look a whole lot different when they have The Hulk.
(9-6)
8
5
Cincinnati Bengals
Did you see what Joe Burrow did to the Ravens? 525 freaking yards. Like he was playing a high school team.
(9-6)
9
2
Buffalo Bills
Did you see what Josh Allen did to the Patriots? He’s back on a roll.
(9-6)
10
3
New England Patriots
Pats couldn’t run every down in the rematch with Buffalo. The outcome changed when quarterbacks came into play.
(10-5)
11
5
Arizona Cardinals
They out of water (and gas) in the desert?!?
(8-7)
12
3
San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy G’s banged up. They might need Trey Lance to lead them to the playoffs.
(8-7)
13
3
Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers laying eggs during a playoff race. That’s what young teams do sometimes. Better get right in a hurry.
(8-7)
14
5
Las Vegas Raiders
Hunter Renfrow is a top 10 receiver. Don’t @ me, bro.
(8-7)
15
8
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles haven’t beaten anyone terribly tough on their winning run, but Jalen Hurts is building some positive momentum. They could be a sneaky playoff team.
(8-7)
16
2
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens have lost four straight, including three in the division. Oh, and they’re down to Josh Johnson at quarterback. Here’s the crazy part: He’s not the problem. That defense got trounced.
(8-7)
17
5
Miami Dolphins
Dolphins keep surging. Now they’ll have to keep this good thing going against Tennessee and New England in consecutive weeks. Good luck.
(7-8)
18
3
Cleveland Browns
Four picks in a gotta-have-it game? Not a good look for Baker.
(7-7-1)
19
1
Pittsburgh Steelers
They’re gonna let this Mike Tomlin non-losing-season streak go down to the wire, aren’t they?
(7-8)
20
Minnesota Vikings
I’ve had to start using a thesaurus for the Vikings entry, looking up new words for disappointing. I’m all out.
(7-8)
21
4
Denver Broncos
Vic Fangio’s getting questions about his job security (again). Might they be legitimate? Should they be?
(7-8)
22
2
Atlanta Falcons
Falcons come through (again) in the clutch. If improvement in that area is the major takeaway from this season, that’s a win.
(7-8)
23
7
New Orleans Saints
No team takes bigger swings in the rankings than these Saints. Turns out quarterback play is important.
(6-9)
24
1
Washington Football Team
The WFT is reeling. And giving up 56 to Dallas might mean a head (or two) is gonna roll.
(5-10)
25
3
Chicago Bears
Nick Foles can still make miracles happen. Once every few years or so. Never in between.
(5-10)
26
1
Seattle Seahawks
Could this be the end of the Russell Wilson era in Seattle? It would be weird seeing him repping different colors.
(4-11)
27
4
Houston Texans
Maybe the Texans have something in David Mills. Maybe not. That might be the nicest thing we’ve said about the Texans all season.
(5-10)
28
2
Carolina Panthers
Panthers fans were chanting to fire Matt Rhule after the latest loss. Carolina has fallen fast.
(4-11)
29
1
New York Jets
In a battle of the Nos. 1 and 2 picks, neither Trevor Lawrence nor Zach Wilson won. They’re on the Jags and Jets. That’s an L for both guys.
(2-12-1)
30
1
Detroit Lions
Dan Campbell has a bunch of scrappers, but not much talent.
(4-11)
31
4
New York Giants
Mike Glennon or Jake Fromm?? How about a white towel, instead?
(2-13)
32
Jacksonville Jaguars
So the Jags fire Urban and, with a chance at a fresh start, retain Trent Baalke and allow him to help make the hire?!? You’ve got to be kidding me.
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Welcome to Falcons Final Whistle – an Atlanta Falcons football postgame podcast during the season that shifts gears in the offseason to answer a pressing question about the team's future each week through free agency, the NFL Draft and the offseason program.
