Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray produced a scintillating display in a dominant 31-6 success over the New York Jets – with 266 yards, a passing touchdown and two rushing scores in a fourth straight win for the Cardinals.
Aaron Rodgers had no answer as the Cardinals defence did not allow a touchdown for the third straight home game and they now look a team to watch for the play-offs.
The play-offs appear well out of reach for the 3-7 Jets, who fancied a Super Bowl run with Rodgers but have now lost six of seven and looked totally lost in Arizona.
“We’re playing like trash,” was Jets wide receiver Garret Wilson’s verdict.
It looks even bleaker for the Dallas Cowboys, who looked lifeless in attack without injured quarterback Dak Prescott as they were demolished 34-6 by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Prescott could miss the rest of the season, but their season will be over soon enough if they continue producing the kind of performances that have seen them lose four in a row.
The Chicago Bears are another fancied side in trouble. Caleb Williams was sacked nine times in a 19-3 home defeat by the New England Patriots that dropped them to 4-5.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is under serious pressure after the worst of three straight losses and the team’s inability to score points despite their array of talented playmakers.