Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Arizona Cardinals Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Arizona Cardinals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 1.0 (1st)
  • Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 1st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Cardinals in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

Prediction we missed: WR Christian Kirk's production.

It's no secret that DeAndre Hopkins was going to be the focal point of the Cardinals' offense and that A.J. Green would be the second option, but I didn't expect Kirk to have the type of season he's having. He is second on the team in receiving yards with 408 -- just two ahead of Green -- and second in receptions. -- Josh Weinfuss

NFL.com -- Rank: 1

With their marquee matchup against the Packers days away, the schedule makers did the Cardinals a favor with a nice tune-up against the worst team in football. Arizona took care of business against Houston in a game that showcased the Cards' newest weapon. Zach Ertz recorded a 47-yard touchdown catch, a career-long score that showed the tight end still has some juice in his legs. Last year, Kliff Kingsbury's offense too often felt like it was Kyler-to-Nuk or bust. Now, Arizona is getting contributions from Hopkins, yes, but also A.J. Green, Rondale Moore, Christian Kirk ... and Ertz, a former Super Bowl hero who looks like a man with something to prove.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 1

They continue to win games, but that will be put to a real test Thursday against the Packers. Kyler Murray is taking too many shots.

USA Today -- Rank: 1

Don't believe in league's only unbeaten team? Arizona also boasts the NFL's largest point differential (+111), is the toughest team to score on (16.3 points allowed per game), is getting defensive reinforcements off the COVID-19 list (including OLB Chandler Jones) and is already effectively integrating new TE Zach Ertz, the first player to catch a TD pass in successive weeks ... for different teams. Oh yeah -- and Kyler Murray.

The Athletic -- Rank: 1

Trick or treat: We call dibs on the Kyler Murray-as-Baby Yoda Halloween costume. The Cardinals just keep on winning, with a diverse offense and scary good defense, and a win Thursday against Green Bay could wind up being quite important in the eventual NFC playoff seedings.

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