Cardinals Climb New NFL Power Rankings

The Arizona Cardinals aren't completely out of the basement, though last week was a step in the right direction.

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals gained their second win of the year in a thrilling 25-24 come-from-behind victory led by the return of Kyler Murray, and for the moment, the desert is buzzing. 

Arizona suffered a 1-8 fate before Murray's return, and though it's clear the postseason is still a fever dream for 2023, the Cardinals are much better with No. 1 in the lineup.

How much better? 

After being consistently ranked at No. 32 throughout most power rankings last week, the Cardinals bought themselves some brownie points moving forward. 

USA TODAY: No. 26

Nate Davis: "How quickly things can change with QB Kyler Murray and RB James Conner back in the lineup. But let's not discount the contributions of Trey McBride, the first Arizona tight end to top 100 receiving yards in 34 years."

The Athletic: No. 28

Josh Kendall: "At this moment, the Cardinals have a quarterback who looked pretty good in his return from an ACL injury (Kyler Murray threw for 249 yards and rushed for 33 and a touchdown) and the Nos. 4 and 20 picks in the 2024 draft. Jonathan Gannon’s biggest blunders this year are beating the Cowboys and the Falcons (which is keeping Arizona from having the No. 1 pick), but he should probably be given some grace for that."

Bleacher Report: No. 28

Staff: "It had to feel good for the Cardinals to get back into the win column. But frankly the last thing this team needs is to peel off a hot streak after a 1-8 start. The playoffs aren't happening, and all wins will accomplish is costing Arizona draft position.

"What the Cardinals should want is for Murray to round back in shape in a series of losses that position the team well for 2024. 2023 is toast."

NFL.com: No. 29

Eric Edholm: "There’s only so much buzz and hope a team can generate after a 1-8 start, but Kyler Murray had no issues with that. His return required some patience from all of us, but we were rewarded with a taste of pre-injury Murray in Sunday's victory: a dazzling, imperfect playmaker who can steal a defense’s soul. That’s about as tough a game as the Falcons have had defensively this season. 

"There was rust, especially on third downs, but Murray looked to be in good form and ready to take over for the remainder of the season. If Murray looks great, and it means the Cardinals win a few games down the stretch and cost themselves draft positioning, so be it. Getting Murray back into prime form trumps a few draft slots every day, including -- and especially -- on Sundays."