NFL power rankings, Week 12: Falcons soar, Texans tumble

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) tries to break free from Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) tries to break free from Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

32. Arizona’s unpredictable slide continued in Atlanta with no help from their defense. The Falcons were able to close the game out with 21 points in the second half, most of which were in the fourth quarter. Undrafted free agent Taylor Gabriel scored two touchdowns, one of which on a screen should have been stopped. Meanwhile, Carson Palmer’s stats looked decent, but age is beginning to show on the quarterback. Palmer turns 37 next month, and the team has no true replacement in line. Penalties were another major factor the Cardinals dealt with. They committed eight, twice as many as Atlanta, and lost 60 yards. All around, it was not a great day for Cardinals fans. <p>Next Week: Arizona hosts the Redskins after a two-game road stand. Washington will be coming off a long week following its Thanksgiving Day loss to Dallas, and will be ready to make the trip out west. Both teams need this win to stay in the playoff hunt, but the Cardinals are a bit more desperate with just four wins.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: A team destined to contend for a Super Bowl is now looking at a lost season. With just four wins and the Seahawks having created some breathing room, the Cardinals would require an immediate winning streak to have a prayer of making a wild card game.</p>. 4-6-1. Previous: . Arizona Cardinals. 23. team