As the 2024 NFL season advances, the Arizona Cardinals have found themselves in an unexpected position. Once mired in back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals are now perched atop the NFC West standings, carrying a 6-4 record. This marks a dramatic turnaround from previous years and has stirred excitement in the hearts of their supporters.
The Cardinals' resilience this season has been noteworthy. After a slow start that saw them lose three of their first four games, Arizona staged a remarkable comeback against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, emerging victorious with a nail-biting 24-23 win. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals showcased character and skill, led by their dynamic quarterback, Kyler Murray.
The Road to the Top
Following their pivotal victory against the 49ers, the Cardinals have surged forward, winning five of their next six encounters. Currently leading the NFC West division, Arizona's prospects look bright as they prepare to face off against division rival Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings. A victory over Seattle could push their division title chances to 60.4%, a significant leap from their current 48.2% probability.
Arizona's resurgence has shaken the established order in the NFC West, a division traditionally dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams since 2015. Each of those teams has clinched the top spot thrice since then, while the Seattle Seahawks have claimed the division title twice. For the Cardinals, who last tasted divisional success in 2015, this campaign represents a significant opportunity to break free from the shadows of their more illustrious rivals.
A Team Effort
Underpinning the Cardinals' resurgence is a solid team effort. Murray, who ranks 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and a mere three interceptions, has been integral to their offensive success. Meanwhile, James Conner has spearheaded a formidable ground attack, placing fifth in the league with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner is on the cusp of achieving his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to reach this milestone.
While the offense has been crucial, Arizona's defensive strategies have also played a pivotal role in their rise. Staging comebacks and maintaining leads against high-caliber teams reflect a concerted, all-round effort from the squad.
Rivals in Pursuit
As the Cardinals continue to push forward, the NFC West remains highly competitive. The Seattle Seahawks, currently holding a 5-5 record, are eager to reclaim their place at the top, having begun the season with three straight wins. Led by quarterback Geno Smith, they rank second in the NFL for passing yards per game. A win over Arizona would boost Seattle's chances of seizing the division title to 29.4%.
Simultaneously, the San Francisco 49ers, also sitting at 5-5, maintain a 21.5% chance of clinching the division, reflecting the close competition within the group. Even the Los Angeles Rams, despite their lower 9.1% probability, could see an increase to 13.7% if they manage to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Path Ahead
The Cardinals' campaign is a storyline of transformation, tenacity, and the pursuit of excellence. As they prepare for their upcoming matches, the aspirations for a division crown loom large. With the fierce competition in the NFC West, every game is pivotal.
For Arizona, maintaining their momentum and leveraging the performances of key players like Murray and Conner will be crucial. The journey is long, but the Cardinals have already demonstrated that they are more than capable of rewriting the script of their season. With each play, they edge closer to possibly reclaiming the NFC West for the first time in nearly a decade, offering fans and critics alike an exhilarating narrative to follow.