Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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LENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals smiles after scoring a touchdown in the first half of the NFL game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
LENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals smiles after scoring a touchdown in the first half of the NFL game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

24. team. 32. . W, 23-0 vs. Giants. Previous: . Arizona Cardinals

Sure, it might have been against the Giants, and they’re terrible. But any shutout in the NFL is worthwhile news.

That’s what the Cardinals did, and there’s a notable difference with quarterback Drew Stanton under center instead of Blaine Gabbert. Stanton went 20-of-34 for 209 yards for two touchdowns, albeit against two interceptions.

Heck, even wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald got in on the passing:

Fitzgerald finished with nine receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown, though, and that’s where we’d like to see him contribute. As long as he’s on the field, Arizona has a change.

Credit the beleaguered Cardinals defense for forcing three turnovers too, although this group has way more questions than answers heading into an uncertain offseason.