Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 16: Cornerback Patrick Peterson
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 16: Cornerback Patrick Peterson /

1. Arizona Cardinals

If Arizona is ever going to win its first Super Bowl, now is the time. The Cardinals are stacked on both sides of the ball and are coached by one of the best in Bruce Arians. Since coming to the desert, Arians has posted three consecutive winning seasons, something this franchise had not seen since 1974-76 when Don Coryell stalked the sideline.

The Cardinals have some age on the offense, especially in Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald. At 36 and 33 years old, respectively, the time to strike is now for these veterans. Palmer is finally behind a quality offensive line and has weapons galore, ranging from Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd to David Johnson and John Brown.

The strength of the team might end up being defensively, though. Arizona is loaded up front with the additions of Chandler Jones (via trade from New England) and Robert Nkemdiche, a first-round selection with loads of potential. Should those moves pan out, a talented secondary featuring Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson gets even better.

While the NFC is the tougher of the two conferences, Arizona has the chops to come out on top and represent the group in Houston come February. The Cardinals have no excuse not to reach the pinnacle for the first time since 1947.

Record prediction: 13-3