NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Chiefs gripping No. 1 tightly and the Jets won a game

You would think that head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals would look at what they did on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles and not deviate from that plan. That plan, of course, is for quarterback Kyler Murray to look the way of DeAndre Hopkins early and often and it worked beautifully in Week 15.

As the second-year signal-caller guided the Cardinals to a 33-26 win over Philly, Murray completed 27-of-36 passes for 406 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 29 yards and a score. And Hopkins was at the heart of that, catching nine of 11 balls for 169 yards and a touchdown on the day.

Arizona is far from a perfect team. The defense had fits trying to contain Jalen Hurts on Sunday and they had to fend off a last-second Hail Mary attempt to secure the victory. But they are winning and making plays when it matters, which is a step in the right direction.

In all likelihood, the Cardinals are going to make the playoffs and then have an early exit from the postseason. They are an ascending team that is likely a year away from contention. But even then, they remain a fun team to watch and one that is clearly on the rise.