As the 2024 NFL season ramps up, the Arizona Cardinals are making waves in the NFC West. Having endured two consecutive seasons with a disappointing 4-13 record, the Cardinals have emerged as a frontrunner in their division, jolting a fiercely competitive group that includes perennial powerhouses such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.
The Cardinals' Comeback Journey
The Cardinals' last NFC West division win dates back to 2015, with the 49ers and Rams each having dominated the division scene three times since. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks have also clinched the division crown twice in this period. However, the tide seems to be shifting in Arizona's favor this season.
After a shaky start, losing three of their first four games, the Cardinals showcased their resilience in Week 5. Facing the 49ers, they orchestrated a dramatic comeback, overturning a daunting 23-10 halftime deficit to secure a 24-23 victory. This pivotal win has sparked a renaissance, as they have since claimed victory in five of their next six contests, propelling them to a 6-4 record and positioning them at the top of the NFC West standings.
Key Players and Performance
Kyler Murray, the dynamic quarterback for the Cardinals, finds himself ranked 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes for the season, alongside three interceptions. While Murray leads the Cardinals' aerial assault, it's their ground game that's drawn substantial attention this season. Spearheaded by James Conner, Arizona's rushing attack is ranked fifth in the league, averaging an impressive 149.4 yards per game. Conner, on the cusp of another milestone, needs just 303 more yards to achieve his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, providing the offensive balance the Cardinals need.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cardinals prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, crucial matchups that could further shape their path in the NFC West. The Seahawks have experienced their share of ups and downs this season. They began with three straight wins but currently hold a 5-5 record and sit behind the Cardinals in the standings. Known for their potent passing offense, led by quarterback Geno Smith, Seattle ranks second in the league for passing yards per game.
A victory against the Cardinals could significantly alter the division dynamics, boosting Seattle's chances of claiming the NFC West title to 29.4%. Conversely, another win for Arizona would further solidify their hold on the division, raising their title chances to 60.4%, a substantial leap from the current 48.2%.
Other Division Contenders
As for their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers also possess a 5-5 record but are currently pegged with a 21.5% probability of taking the division crown. The Rams find themselves with slimmer prospects, currently standing at a 9.1% likelihood, though a victory against a formidable Philadelphia Eagles team could incrementally increase their chances to 13.7%.
The NFC West's competitiveness remains as fierce as ever, with the Cardinals now holding the advantage. For Arizona, consistency and the ability to capitalize on pivotal games, especially within the division, will determine if they can sustain their newfound momentum and clinch their first title since 2015.
As the season approaches its crescendo, all eyes are set on the Cardinals to see if they can turn their early resurgence into a historic campaign, redefining the NFC West landscape in the process.