NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Packers fall in Week 17

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) celebrates a touchdown after returning a fumble by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

1. ARIZONA CARDINALS (13-2)

Last week: 2
Change: +1

The Arizona Cardinals proved why they are the best team in football in Sunday’s demolition of the Green Bay Packers in the desert. From the first play to the last, the Cardinals were a class above the Pack and firmly deserve top spot in these power rankings heading into Week 17.

Everywhere you look on this roster is a stack of talent. Carson Palmer is playing at an MVP level, and he’s helped with the riches of talent at wide receiver and running back. Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd form arguably the best receiving corps in the league, and rookie running back David Johnson looks like a future star.

They’re just as strong, if not even better, on defense. The Cardinals completely shut down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ passing game, holding them to just 151 yards in the air and recording nine sacks. The Packers receivers weren’t ever much of a threat and the pass rush was consistently hitting home.

With this win, the Cardinals have clinched a first-round playoff bye, and get the opportunity to overtake the Panthers next week if they can beat the Seahawks and get some help from the Buccaneers.