NFL power rankings: Arizona Cardinals slip after loss to Denver Broncos

The Arizona Cardinals experienced a setback in their season after a Week 6 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, as they lost 30-16 to the Denver Broncos in Week 7. Following some improvement in their power rankings, the team slipped three spots and dropped to No. 26 in the latest USA TODAY's Nate Davis NFL power rankings.

Trey McBride, the Cardinals' tight end, was the only positive aspect of their performance, leading the NFL with 59 receptions in the season's first seven games, including a 10-catch, 111-yard, and touchdown performance. McBride was averaging over 10 yards per catch in his first game this season. He holds the remarkable record of catching at least seven balls in each of his team's first seven games, making him the first player in league history to achieve this feat.

However, the Cardinals' offense struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone during the last two games of the season. Their defense has been struggling as well, allowing 30 or more points in their last five losses and in 11 of their last 17 games dating back to last season.

Following the trade of Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals lost Jalen Brooks to a broken wrist for the remainder of the season. Their next four games include challenges against the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs, making it unlikely for them to secure more than one win in that stretch.

In the Week 8 power rankings, the San Francisco 49ers maintained their top position, while the Seattle Seahawks rose from No. 6 to No. 4 after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, marking their first loss of the season. The Rams stayed at 13th after their blowout victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cardinals fell to 26th place in the rankings.