NFL power rankings: Arizona Cardinals move up despite third straight loss

The Arizona Cardinals lost their third consecutive game on Sunday, falling 36-24 to the New York Giants on the road after leading 14-3. It was the third consecutive game in which they allowed over 30 points.

But even with the loss, they gained ground in the latest NFL power rankings from USA TODAY’s Nate Davis.

After the Cardinals’ loss to the Giants, they moved up three spots from No. 28 to No. 25.

S Budda Baker leads the team with 1½ sacks … which is fairly indicative of how things are going for one of the league’s worst defenses.

S Budda Baker leads the team with 1½ sacks … which is fairly indicative of how things are going for one of the league’s worst defenses.

The defense has been bad. Dating back to last season’s nine-game losing streak to end 2025, they have allowed over 30 points in nine of their last 13 games.

Some metrics were better on Sunday. They had two interceptions defensively and sacked Jameis Winston four times. But they give up big plays every week, and Winston threw three touchdown passes.

Next up for the Cardinals in Week 5 are the 2-2 Detroit Lions, who rank 15th this week after falling five spots.

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