As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the Arizona Cardinals have surprisingly emerged as a frontrunner in the fiercely competitive NFC West. Despite coming off two back-to-back seasons with dismal 4-13 records, the Cardinals have remarkably positioned themselves at the top of their division with a 6-4 record, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what has sparked this turnaround.
From Struggle to Strength
Historically, the NFC West has been a battleground dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, each securing the division title three times since 2015. The Seattle Seahawks have their own share of glory, capturing the crown twice in that period. The Cardinals, however, have endured a dry spell, with their last division title victory dating back to 2015.
The start of the 2024 season seemed to suggest more of the same struggles for the Cardinals. Losing three of their first four games, Arizona fans were braced for another year of disappointment. Yet, in a stunning Week 5 showdown against the 49ers, the Cardinals turned their fortune around. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, Arizona mounted a dramatic comeback, claiming a 24-23 victory that would serve as a catalyst for their mid-season resurgence.
A New Hope
Following their victory against the 49ers, the Cardinals went on to win five of their next six games, solidifying their position atop the NFC West standings. This remarkable streak has bolstered their chances of clinching the division, currently pegged at 48.2%. A critical component of their unexpected success is the dynamic performances from key players.
Quarterback Kyler Murray, though ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and three interceptions, has been instrumental in orchestrating the Cardinals’ offensive strategy. Meanwhile, running back James Conner leads a potent Arizona ground attack. Averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game, the Cardinals are fifth in the league in this category. Conner himself is closing in on a milestone, needing just 303 yards to achieve his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.
The Road Ahead
The Cardinals' mettle will soon be tested further with upcoming games against the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings. Facing Seattle, who currently hold a 5-5 record after starting the season with three straight wins, promises to be a significant challenge. The Seahawks are formidable in their passing game, ranking second in the NFL for passing yards per game, with quarterback Geno Smith at the helm. A victory against the Cardinals could bolster Seattle’s own division title hopes, raising their chances to 29.4%.
For the Cardinals, a win in this pivotal matchup could increase their odds of claiming the NFC West division title to 60.4%, setting the stage for a potentially triumphant season conclusion.
Division Dynamics
Elsewhere in the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams remain in contention, albeit with lower probabilities. The 49ers, holding a 5-5 record, have a 21.5% chance of taking the division title. The Rams, whose season hasn't followed the path of prior glories, possess a 9.1% probability of finishing atop the division. However, a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles could see their chances improve to 13.7%.
As the season progresses, the narrative of the NFC West continues to evolve, with the Arizona Cardinals leading a surprising charge toward what would be a historic division title. As we anticipate the climactic weeks of the NFL season, one question remains: can this team, once considered an underdog, maintain their recent form to top one of the league’s most competitive divisions? The next matches hold potential answers to this compelling question.