Cardinals maintain hold on No. 1 spot in power rankings; NFC fills top 5

After another convincing win in Week 7, the Cardinals remain atop USA TODAY’s power rankings.

The Arizona Cardinals remain unbeaten entering Week 8 following their 31-5 win over the Houston Texans. As they have held the No. 1 spot in Nate Davis’ power rankings for USA TODAY for multiple weeks, it is no surprise that they remain there.

They have the best record in the league as the only undefeated team in the NFL and are No. 1 in these rankings.

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.

They are among the league leaders in points scored. They also are allowing the fewest points per game on defense, have the best third-down defense in the league and the best fourth-down defense as well, having forced turnovers on downs a league-leading 12 times.

They really have no weakness right now and have a chance to really take control of the NFC with a Thursday night game against the Green Bay Packers, No. 5 in these rankings.

The NFC dominates the top of these power rankings. The top five teams are all in the NFC — Arizona at No. 1, followed by the Rams, Buccaneers, Cowboys and Packers.

The Cardinals don’t often get national love. They are getting it now and, if they follow it up with a win on Thursday, they will have the attention of the nation.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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