CARDINALS

NFL power rankings: Arizona Cardinals strengthen hold on No. 1 spot after Week 5 win

Jeremy Cluff
Arizona Republic

After beating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season, several sites ranked the Arizona Cardinals No. 1 in their NFL power rankings.

The team solidified its hold on the top spot with a Week 5 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

The Cardinals sit at 5-0 after the season's first five weeks, the lone undefeated team in the NFL.

Check out what NFL writers are saying about Kliff Kingsbury, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals' performance in Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season in their latest NFL power rankings (click on each link for that site's complete NFL power rankings).

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NBC Sports: Cardinals No. 1 in NFL power rankings

Josh Schrock writes: "Cardinals have won shootouts and slugfests. They’ve won pretty and they’ve won ugly. They look like the most complete team through five weeks."

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Pro Football Network: Cardinals ranked No. 1 after win vs. 49ers

Dalton Miller writes: "Arizona’s offense had a down day against the 49ers, but I wouldn’t expect that to be a trend. The fewest points they had scored prior to Sunday was 31, and that’s the kind of games they’ll play in for most of the season. Still, they’re 5-0 and the only undefeated team in the league. Although I don’t personally believe them to be the best team in the NFL, Arizona has the most impressive résumé to date. Until they lose, the top spot in our NFL Power Rankings belongs to the Cardinals."

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Fansided: Cardinals remain No. 1 in NFL power rankings

Cody Williams writes: "I’m not going to knock the Cardinals out of the top spot after they staved off a strong challenge from the division-rival 49ers on Sunday. However, they did show that they aren’t bulletproof as Kyler Murray and an offense that had been so prolific was held to just 17 points. However, that’s also what could make Arizona viable contenders. They don’t have to score 30+ points to win — they can rely on a much-improved defense to hold the line and win in a dogfight. That’s a huge plus for this team as they move forward as the league’s only unbeaten squad."

Sporting News: Cardinals stay at No. 1 after Week 5 win

Vinnie Iyer writes: "The Cardinals' offense cooled down against the 49ers but they showed how much they can also win with defense and a few big plays in crucial situations. The result is the best franchise start in 47 years."

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Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are 5-0 on the season and No. 1 in several NFL power rankings.

Sportnaut: Cardinals still No. 1 entering Week 6

Matt Johnson writes: "The Arizona Cardinals won four consecutive games thanks to an offense that averaged more than 30 points and 400 total yards per contest. In an NFC West clash, with the offense not firing on all cylinders, Arizona’s defense stepped up to deliver the win. No one expected the Cardinals (5-0) to be here, but this is the best team in the NFL until another club proves otherwise."

Fansided: Cardinals stay at No. 2 in NFL power rankings

Russell S. Baxter writes: The lone unbeaten team in the league was back home and took on the rival 49ers looking to win back-to-back games within the division. Kliff Kingsbury’s club had scored at least 31 points in its first four games but was kept in check by the San Francisco defense. The Arizona defense kept Niners’ quarterback Trey Lance under wraps in terms of the passing game. The franchise is off to a 5-0 start for the first time since 1974 when they called St. Louis home.

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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