Arizona Cardinals Surge in NFC West
The Arizona Cardinals are hitting their stride in the 2024 NFL season, emerging as a formidable contender in the NFC West. With a current record of 6-4, they sit at the top of the division standings, a remarkable turnaround from their back-to-back seasons with 4-13 records. Their resurgence marks a significant shift, especially given that the Cardinals had not claimed the NFC West division title since 2015.
This season, the NFC West, historically dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams—each team boasting three division titles since 2015—has seen a fresh challenge from Arizona. The Seattle Seahawks, too, have been competitive with two titles since 2015, but this year the Cardinals are making headlines with their impressive performance.
A Rocky Start and Remarkable Comeback
The Cardinals' season began with some uncertainty, as they stumbled in three of their first four games. However, a pivotal Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers saw them claw back from a 23-10 halftime deficit to secure a 24-23 victory. This comeback ignited a winning streak where Arizona emerged victorious in five of their next six games, profoundly impacting their standing in the division.
Now, with a 48.2% chance of clinching the NFC West division title, the Cardinals have a tangible opportunity to extend their lead further. Their immediate test comes in the form of upcoming games against the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.
Quarterback and Ground Game Contributions
At the heart of the Cardinals' success is quarterback Kyler Murray, whose season has been marked by stability rather than explosive statistics. Ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and just three interceptions, Murray has provided the offensive leadership needed to steer the team through crucial moments.
Complementing Murray's efforts is running back James Conner, leading one of the league's most formidable ground attacks. The Cardinals rank fifth in the NFL, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner himself is closing in on a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to reach this milestone.
Seahawks in the Mix
The Seattle Seahawks, holding a 5-5 record, also remain firmly in the divisional race. Their campaign started strongly with three straight wins, and they currently rank second in the NFL for passing yards per game, largely thanks to quarterback Geno Smith's dynamic passing game. The stakes are high for the Seahawks as they prepare to face the Cardinals. A victory for Seattle could elevate their division title chances to 29.4%.
The upcoming clash between the Cardinals and Seahawks carries significant weight, with potential implications for both teams' playoff aspirations. A win could amplify the Cardinals' chances to 60.4%, enhancing their lead at the top of the NFC West.
Rivalry Pressures
Elsewhere in the division, the San Francisco 49ers, tied with the Seahawks at 5-5, maintain a 21.5% chance to claim the division crown. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, with long odds at 9.1%, could see their chances marginally improve to 13.7% should they triumph against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFC West remains a fiercely contested battlefield, with every game carrying potential make-or-break implications for playoff dreams. As the Cardinals prepare for their upcoming games, they do so with the knowledge that securing victories could redefine their season and stake a claim for their first division title in nearly a decade. The coming weeks promise excitement and intrigue, as the race for NFC West supremacy heats up.