Arizona Cardinals rising after 2-0 start

The Arizona Cardinals are moving up in most NFL power rankings this week after their win over the Carolina Panthers in NFL Week 2 and a 2-0 start to the season.

They are as high as No. 13 in one Week 3 NFL power ranking this week, but they are ranked as low as No. 21 in a couple of others.

Arizona is one of 10 unbeaten teams remaining in the league, but the Cardinals have been favored in both of their games this season, a win at the New Orleans Saints and a win against the Carolina Panthers.

The team faces the San Francisco 49ers, another unbeaten team, on the road in NFL Week 3 on Sunday, and it is an underdog in the NFL Week 3 odds for that game.

The Cardinals would likely turn heads and see a jump in the ranking with a win over their NFC West rivals on the road.

NFL Week 3 picks: Dolphins at Bills | Falcons at Panthers | Packers at Browns | Texans at Jaguars | Bengals at Vikings | Steelers at Patriots | Rams at Eagles | Jets at Buccaneers | Colts at Titans | Raiders at Commanders | Broncos at Chargers | Saints at Seahawks | Cowboys at Bears | Cardinals at 49ers | Chiefs at Giants | Lions at Ravens | The Republic’s score predictions

Jeremy Cluff writes: “Too high a ranking for the Cardinals? Maybe. But this team is 2-0 on the season. Kyler Murray and company would turn heads with a win over the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Week 3.”

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CBS Sports: Cardinals climb six spots to No. 14

Pete Prisco writes: “They are 2-0, but they made it interesting in the end against the Panthers. They have to learn how to close out games with both victories coming down to the end when they dominated for most of the game.”

NFL Week 3 odds: Point spreads, moneylines, over/unders for betting on games this week

Bleacher Report: Cardinals rise on spot to No. 15

Brent Sobleski writes: “The Cardinals opened their season with a 2-0 record, but one has to wonder if they’re actually any good. Arizona’s wins came against the New Orleans Saints and Panthers–both of whom are considered among the league’s worst teams. Yes, the Cardinals can only beat those placed in front of them. They did so. However, the next couple of weeks will serve as a far better barometer upon facing the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.  Jonathan Gannon’s squad continues to grow and get better. It’s still too early to say they’re on the right track until they face improved competition.”

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ESPN: Cardinals up one position to No. 17

Josh Weinfuss writes: “The question has come up every year Murray has been in the NFL: How much will he run? Through two games, he has shown his legs are still a necessary part of both his game and Arizona’s attack. He has 14 carries for 70 rushing yards this season, just 3 yards shy of running back James Conner and 13 yards behind the team’s leading rusher, Trey Benson. Murray’s ability to create electric runs and flip the field helps set up the passing game, too.”

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Pro Football Talk: Cardinals gain two spots to No. 18

Mike Florio writes: “This weekend in Santa Clara, we’ll find out whether the Cardinals are ready to contend.”

The Ringer: Cardinals up one position to No. 21

Diante Lee writes: “If you were like most people, you probably removed this game from your multiview after Kyler Murray’s 31-yard scramble in the fourth quarter. That run put Arizona in the red zone with a three-possession lead over Carolina. But that’s when all hell broke loose. Murray turned the ball over, and the Cardinals’ soft defense allowed the Panthers to make things uncomfortably close. Arizona’s offense never seems to find any week-to-week consistency, and its poor offensive line play in the first two weeks suggests that this team will topple if Murray ever has a cold stretch of games.”

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Sports Illustrated: Cardinals move up one spot to No. 21

Conor Orr writes: “I can see the point of Cardinals fans who feel like a ‘narrow’ victory over the Panthers shouldn’t be turned into some form of punishment given that Carolina almost beat a troika of playoff teams a year ago. This weekend against San Francisco is the perfect opportunity to pad the win column in a way that has serious NFC West repercussions.”

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

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