NFL power rankings tracker: Optimism for Arizona Cardinals?

A season that began with so much hype and hope for the Arizona Cardinals came to a close Sunday.

The team finished a disappointing 7-8-1.

Still, it ended the season playing its best football of the year.

NFL MOCK DRAFT:Early picks for the Cardinals

Is there reason for optimism in Arizona?

Check out what NFL writers and publications are saying about the team (as well as where they have Cardinals ranked) in their final regular season power rankings:

MORE: Arizona's NFL connections - How they fared in 2016-17 season

USA TODAY Sports: Cardinals still No. 22

It writes: "Glass half-full -- both offense and defense ranked in top 10. Glass half-empty -- underachieving team may soon have major issues at QB, WR."

CBS Sports: Cardinals up three to No. 22

Pete Prisco writes: "That showing in Seattle is what we expected to see this season. They will be back in the playoff mix next season."

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Bleacher Report: Cardinals No. 18

Chris Simms writes: "Arians isn't the type to wait out a young quarterback and try again in a few years. So if Carson Palmer decides enough is enough, expect this team to be a big player for a certain backup quarterback who is wasting away in Dallas. His name escapes me at the moment."

ninernoise.com: Cardinals still No. 20

Peter Panacy writes: "Yes, the Cardinals pulled off a 44-6 win over the Rams. But it’s hard to say if this is more of a credit to Arizona or simply Los Angeles giving up in a meaningless late-season game. If it’s the former, the Cardinals looked like their vintage selves. Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer tossed for 255 yards and three touchdowns against an interception."

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nflspinzone.com: Cardinals still No. 18

Dan Parzych writes: "All signs point to the Cardinals bouncing back next year, but it’s a shame to see a team with this much talent go to complete waste by missing out on the postseason thanks to a 7-8-1."

walterfootball.com: Cardinals still No. 17

It writes: "The Cardinals had an awful season, but they at least finished the year on a hot streak. I mean, sure, the Calgary Stampede would've defeated the Rams, but Arizona went into Seattle and won as well. Carson Palmer apparently dealt with an injury earlier in the year, so perhaps he can rebound a bit in 2017, though I'm still concerned about his age."

MORE: NFL's highest paid quarterbacks - 2016 rankings

Yahoo Sports: Cardinals up one to No. 20

Frank Schwab writes: "The Cardinals got very lucky that David Johnson’s knee injury suffered in Week 17 isn’t too serious. I know the Cardinals like Johnson, and for good reason, but they have to make sure they don’t overwork him because 373 touches in a little more than 15 games this season is a ton."

sbnation.com: Cardinals up three to No. 16

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