NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Broncos fall in Week 15

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dwight Freeney (54) forces a fumble on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-5)

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Not many gave the Minnesota Vikings much hope against the Cardinals after being blown out at home to the Seahawks four days earlier. But despite all of the injuries on defense, the Vikings fought hard and came close to winning the game.

Adrian Peterson started the game in dominant fashion but was kept in check for the most part following this, but Teddy Bridgewater showed Vikings fans what they needed to see. He went toe-to-toe with Carson Palmer and more than held his own. Bridgewater threw for 335 yards and a touchdown.

If the second-year quarterback can continue to grow into a solid quarterback, the Vikings offense will become less reliant on Peterson, which was a major problem in each loss prior to this one.

Minnesota is now a game behind Green Bay in the NFC North, and will need to stay within a game and then win at Lambeau Field to capture the division. There isn’t a situation in which the Vikings can clinch the division before Week 17, meaning the division crown could be on the line inside the Frozen Tundra.

If the Vikings play as they did on Thursday night, they will have a great shot at winning the division.

Next: No. 10