The Arizona Cardinals have made headlines in the NFC West this 2024 NFL season, emerging as a formidable contender after years of overshadowing by their division rivals. This resurgence is noteworthy given their previous struggles, marked by consecutive 4-13 seasons. The team's last division title win dates back nearly a decade to 2015, with the landscape of the NFC West being largely dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, both securing the top spot three times each since then. The Seattle Seahawks have also claimed the division crown twice, further illustrating the competition within the division.
A Rocky Start and a Stunning Comeback
Arizona's journey this season wasn't without its hiccups. The Cardinals stumbled early, losing three of their first four games, a beginning that seemed to echo past disappointments. However, the team demonstrated resilience and a competitive edge in Week 5 with a remarkable comeback victory against the 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals rallied to clinch a narrow 24-23 win, a turning point that ignited their current momentum.
Since that pivotal game, Arizona has won five of their next six matchups, bringing their record to a strong 6-4. This performance has catapulted them to the top of the NFC West standings, a position that reflects a significant shift in their prospects. The Cardinals now hold a 48.2% probability of winning the division, highlighting the dramatic shift in their fortunes.
Key Players Driving Arizona's Success
The Cardinals’ resurgence can be attributed in part to the contributions from key players. Quarterback Kyler Murray, while not leading the league, has shown reliable performance, currently ranking 16th with 12 touchdown passes alongside just three interceptions. More impressively, the ground game, led by running back James Conner, has been a crucial factor in Arizona's game plan. The Cardinals boast the fifth best rushing attack in the league, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner is on the brink of achieving his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, currently needing 303 more yards to hit that milestone.
Upcoming Challenges
Arizona's upcoming fixtures present both opportunities and challenges. With the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings next on their schedule, Arizona finds itself in the midst of a critical phase. The Seahawks, also at 5-5, began their season with a promising winning streak and are second in the NFL for passing yards per game, primarily driven by quarterback Geno Smith. This emphasis on aerial dominance sets the stage for an intense divisional matchup. A victory for the Cardinals could significantly boost their chances of securing the NFC West division title to 60.4%, while Seattle would rise to a 29.4% probability with a win.
Division Dynamics
The stakes are high for all NFC West teams. Currently, the 49ers, sharing a similar 5-5 record with the Seahawks, have a 21.5% chance at claiming the division title. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are in a more precarious position with a 9.1% probability, which could see a slight boost to 13.7% if they manage to overcome the Philadelphia Eagles. This tightly contested race in the NFC West emphasizes the significance of every game as teams vie for supremacy.
In an unexpected twist for the 2024 season, the Arizona Cardinals stand out, defying their past performances to emerge as serious contenders. With a solid core of players making significant contributions, the Cardinals are well-positioned for a strong finish. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the NFC West, where every game has the potential to shift the balance of power in one of the league's most competitive divisions.