NFL Power Rankings, Week 12: Ravens pound Texans, Raiders stay in hunt

By Randy Gurzi | Nov 18, 2019

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens (not pictured) against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

9 of 33

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals walks onto the field after talking with head coach Kliff Kingsbury during the first half of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

25. Arizona Cardinals (26)

Man, the Arizona Cardinals are close. Their record is just 3-7-1, which is less than ideal but they’re playing hard each and every weekend. Unfortunately, they have fallen short far too often, which was the case as they were in San Francisco this weekend playing the 49ers.

Despite the Niners being favored, Arizona did all they could to try and steal a win. They even entered the fourth quarter up 19-17 and then took a 26-23 lead with less than seven minutes to play. Their defense couldn’t hold as Jimmy Garoppolo threw what proved to be a game-winner with 31 seconds to go. A garbage time defensive touchdown made it 36-26 but the score was much closer than that.

The fact that they’re so hard to beat is a testament to head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The decision to hire him was highly scrutinized but he’s done a good job with No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray who threw two touchdowns and ran one more in this loss.

There’s still a lot of work to be done to make them contenders in the NFC West but the flashes this young roster has shown is impressive. They could become a solid team if they have another successful draft or two.

Home/NFL