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

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

2. ARIZONA CARDINALS (11-2)

Last week: 3
Change: +1

The Arizona Cardinals are the best team in football, due to the incredible balance they have throughout their squad. They needed all of that to defeat the stubborn Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football, but win they did, and they remain the only team putting pressure on the Panthers in the NFC.

The Cardinals were burned by Adrian Peterson on the Vikings’ opening possession, but they bounced back nicely and limited him to 69 yards and a touchdown over the entire game. Teddy Bridgewater played well, but the defense came through with the all-important forced fumble late in the game to clinch the win.

Carson Palmer should be in the MVP race if he isn’t already. Palmer put in another stellar performance, going 25-of-35 for 310 yards and two touchdowns. As long as he stays healthy, the Cardinals are going to be very difficult to beat.

It’s incredible the depth the team has had at running back this season. Most teams would struggle on the ground if it’s No. 1 and No. 2 backs were lost to injury, but rookie David Johnson has shown what a player he can become, and was once again excellent as the leading back.

Next: No. 1