The Resilient Rise of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West
In a surprising turn of events for the 2024 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals have emerged from the shadows to become a frontrunner in the NFC West. After enduring back-to-back dismal seasons with a 4-13 record, the Cardinals have displayed remarkable resilience, clawing their way to the top of their division with a current 6-4 record.
The transformation didn't come easily. The Cardinals stumbled out of the blocks, losing three of their first four games. However, a stunning comeback victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5 seems to have sparked a turnaround. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals rallied to secure a narrow 24-23 win, setting the stage for a remarkable series of performances. Over the next six games, the Cardinals captured five victories, propelling them to the top of the NFC West standings.
The last time the Cardinals topped the division was in 2015, and since then, the NFC West has been largely dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, each clinching the title three times. The Seattle Seahawks also claimed the division twice in that period, adding to the fierce competitiveness of the NFC West.
Kyler Murray, the Cardinals' quarterback, has played a crucial role in the team's resurgence. While ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and three interceptions, Murray’s leadership on the field has been a stabilizing force for an offense that's found momentum at critical junctures of the season. Adding to the potency of their attack, running back James Conner has been a powerhouse on the ground, leading a rushing offense that ranks fifth in the league with an average of 149.4 yards per game. Conner is on the brink of achieving another milestone, needing just 303 more yards to secure his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.
However, the battle for NFC West supremacy remains far from over. The Cardinals’ upcoming encounters with Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings are pivotal. The Seahawks, with a balanced 5-5 record, started their season on a high note, winning their first three matches. Known for their exceptional passing game, which ranks second in the NFL, they rely heavily on quarterback Geno Smith to keep their aerial attack sharp and effective.
The stakes for the upcoming Cardinals vs. Seahawks matchup are significant. A victory for the Cardinals would bolster their division title chances to 60.4%, solidifying their position as frontrunners. Conversely, a win for the Seahawks could see their chances of claiming the division climb to 29.4%, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fight for NFC West dominance.
In this tightly contested division, the San Francisco 49ers, sharing the Seahawks' 5-5 record, hold a 21.5% chance of prevailing to take the NFC West title. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams face an uphill battle. Currently positioned with a lower 9.1% probability of crown capture, they look set to challenge the Philadelphia Eagles. A win in that face-off could nudge their chances up to 13.7%, keeping their hopes alive in this fiercely competitive divisional race.
The Arizona Cardinals are on a mission, visibly hungry to rewrite their narrative in the NFC West. Their recent performances suggest a team that has not only found its footing but also its fighting spirit. As they gear up for the upcoming fixtures, the Cardinals must maintain their momentum and determination to keep their rivals at bay. With the season entering its penultimate phase, the spotlight will be firmly on whether this resurgent team can sustain its ascendancy and potentially clinch a division title that seemed improbable just a few weeks ago.