NFL MVP Watch (After Week 15)

Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

3. QB Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are NFC West champions for the first time since 2009, have won at least 12 games for the first time in franchise and are riding an eight-game winning streak.

Once again, Bruce Arians’ squad was flexed into primetime and responded with a huge 40-17 victory at Philadelphia last Sunday night. Led by quarterback Carson Palmer, the Cards racked up 493 total yards against the Eagles’ defense, including 230 yards on the ground.

The veteran signal-caller did his share, throwing for 274 yards and a score while Arizona played turnover-free football for the fourth consecutive game.

In 14 games this season (more than twice as many outings as he played in a season ago), the 2015 Pro Bowler has thrown for 4,277 yards and a franchise-record 32 touchdowns (tying a career-high he first set in 2005 with the Bengals).

Only the 14-0 Carolina Panthers have scored more points (449) in the league than the Cardinals (445) this season. It’s been a magical year spearheaded by the revitalized Palmer.

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