Cardinals Find Their Wings in NFC West
The Arizona Cardinals have become the surprise frontrunners in the NFC West during the 2024 NFL season, a remarkable turnaround for a team that endured consecutive 4-13 seasons previously. As of now, the Cardinals sit atop the standings with a commendable 6-4 record, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamics within the division.
Since 2015, the NFC West has largely been dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with each team clinching the division title three times. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks have managed two division titles during this period. The Cardinals' last divisional triumph dates back to 2015, making their current resurgence even more significant.
The season didn’t start smoothly for Arizona, dropping three of their first four games. However, the defining moment came in Week 5 with a dramatic comeback against the 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals rallied to secure a thrilling 24-23 victory, setting the tone for an impressive run. This pivotal win sparked a winning stretch that saw Arizona claim victory in five of their next six games, propelling them to the forefront of the division.
Currently holding a 48.2% chance to clinch the NFC West title, the Cardinals' prospects look promising. A win in their upcoming face-off against the Seattle Seahawks could bolster their chances to 60.4%, a significant leap in their divisional aspirations. Under the guidance of quarterback Kyler Murray, who ranks 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes against three interceptions, the Cardinals' offense has found a balanced rhythm. Complementing Murray’s aerial efforts, running back James Conner spearheads a formidable ground attack, ranking fifth in the league with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner is on track for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing only 303 more yards to achieve this milestone.
The upcoming clash against the Seahawks is crucial, as Seattle comes into the game with a 5-5 record after starting the season with a promising three-game winning streak. Seattle's potent passing game, led by quarterback Geno Smith, ranks second in the NFL for passing yards per game, posing a formidable challenge for Arizona’s defense. A victory for Seattle not only tightens their grip on a potential playoff spot but also boosts their own division title chances to 29.4%.
The competition within the NFC West remains fierce, as the San Francisco 49ers, sharing a 5-5 record with Seattle, hold a 21.5% chance of capturing the division. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a less favorable position with a 9.1% probability of claiming the title. However, a potential victory against the Philadelphia Eagles could improve their chances to 13.7%, adding another layer of intrigue to the divisional race.
As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their next battles against the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, the stakes continue to rise. The team’s journey from back-to-back disappointing seasons to leading the division speaks volumes about their resilience and evolution under pressure. Whether they can maintain this momentum remains to be seen, but the Cardinals have already made a statement in the highly competitive NFC West landscape.