Cardinals Rise as NFC West Contenders in 2024 NFL Season
Emerging as a formidable force in the 2024 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals are rewriting their narrative in the NFC West. This transformation arrives after consecutive seasons marked by disappointing 4-13 records. However, the Cardinals now stand at the summit of their division, sporting a 6-4 record after a series of impressive performances.
The Cardinals' resurgence is even more noteworthy considering the division's recent history. Since their last NFC West title in 2015, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have dominated, each capturing the crown three times. The Seattle Seahawks, meanwhile, have grabbed the top spot twice, contributing to a competitive landscape. This year, the Cardinals are paving a new path after a challenging start, losing three of their first four games.
Turning the Tide with a Comeback Win
A pivotal moment arrived in Week 5 when the Cardinals mounted a stunning comeback against the San Francisco 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, Arizona rallied to clinch a narrow 24-23 victory. Energized by this triumph, the Cardinals seized momentum, winning five of their subsequent six matches and firmly positioning themselves in the division race.
Currently leading the NFC West, the Cardinals boast a 48.2% probability of claiming the division title, a marked improvement over their recent past. The potential rewards are significant; a win against their upcoming opponents, the Seattle Seahawks, could amplify their division title chances to 60.4%.
Key Players Driving the Cardinals’ Success
Quarterback Kyler Murray has been a steady presence under center, ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes while limiting turnovers to just three interceptions. His leadership has been crucial in steadying the Cardinals' path amid the competitive landscape.
Complementing Murray's efforts is running back James Conner, spearheading an aggressive ground game. Ranking fifth in the league, the Cardinals' rushing attack averages 149.4 yards per game. Conner himself is on the cusp of a milestone, needing just 303 yards to achieve a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.
Upcoming Challenges in a Tight Division Race
However, the Cardinals' position is anything but secure, with formidable challenges looming on the horizon. They are set to face the Seattle Seahawks next, a team that began the season with a trio of victories and currently holds a 5-5 record. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Geno Smith, boast the second-best passing yards per game in the NFL, posing a significant threat to the Cardinals’ ambitions.
Victory for the Seahawks would not only bolster their own chances of a division crown—projected to increase their probability to 29.4%—but also disrupt the Cardinals' momentum. Beyond Seattle, the Cardinals will confront the Minnesota Vikings, adding another layer of complexity to their schedule.
Division Rivals Eyeing Opportunities
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers remain in contention with a 5-5 record and a 21.5% chance to secure the division, showcasing the tightly contested nature of the NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams, though at a disadvantage with lower odds standing at 9.1%, could see an uptick in their prospects, rising to 13.7% with a successful outing against the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the season unfolds, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads. A year characterized by resilience and resurgence has positioned them as frontrunners in one of the NFL's most competitive divisions. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, as their rivals are equally poised to capitalize on any stumble. This unpredictability ensures that the race for the NFC West crown promises to be a thrilling saga, leaving fans eagerly anticipating each twist and turn in the coming weeks.