NFL Power Rankings: Panthers are new No. 1 entering Week 13

The Arizona Cardinals survived a scare against the lowly San Francisco 49ers and managed to get the win in an ugly game of football. The Cardinals were leading 6-3 at the half, and were tied 13-13 going into the fourth quarter.

If you can believe it, a Carson Palmer rushing touchdown proved to be the game-winning score. Palmer completed just over 50 percent of his passes for 271 yards, no scores or turnovers. The Cardinals went with a running back by committee approach that seemed to be rather ineffective.

To make matters worse, the Cardinals let Blaine Gabbert throw for 318 yards with a better completion precentage than Palmer.

That being said, the Cardinals got the win and that’s all the matters at the end of the day. The Cardinals improved to 9-2, giving them the second-best record in the NFC and the inside track at a first-round bye in the playoffs heading into the final weeks of the season.

The Minnesota Vikings are on their heels with an 8-3 record and those two teams square off at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Next week the Cardinals play divisional rivals in the NFC West, the St. Louis Rams. Given the Rams poor performance against the Bengals, the Cardinals have to feel good about getting to double-digit wins in Week 13.

Next: 3. Cincinnati Bengals