The 2024 NFL season has brought about unexpected turns in the NFC West, with the Arizona Cardinals emerging as frontrunners in what has traditionally been a fiercely competitive division. This year's campaign has been a breath of fresh air for a franchise that had previously endured two consecutive 4-13 seasons. Remarkably, the Cardinals now sit atop the NFC West with a 6-4 record, a position they have not held since their last division title in 2015.
Cardinals on the Rise
The journey for the Cardinals this season has been anything but smooth. They stumbled out of the gate with three losses in their first four games. However, this early adversity seems to have sparked a resurgence. A pivotal moment came in Week 5 with a stunning comeback victory against the San Francisco 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals staged an impressive rally to secure a 24-23 win. This triumph marked the beginning of an impressive run, where they won five out of their next six games.
Currently leading the NFC West standings, the Cardinals' probability of clinching the division is at 48.2%. This is a significant turnaround for a team seeking to reclaim past glories in a division often dominated by the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with each team clinching the top spot three times since 2015. The Seattle Seahawks have been a formidable force as well, with two NFC West titles to their name in the same period.
Offensive Strength and Strategic Play
Key to the Cardinals' success has been their dynamic ground attack, spearheaded by running back James Conner. Arizona’s rushing offense is ranked fifth in the league, averaging an impressive 149.4 yards per game. Conner himself is on the cusp of achieving his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to hit this milestone. This strength in the running game has provided the team with a balanced offensive approach, alleviating pressure on quarterback Kyler Murray.
Kyler Murray, for his part, has delivered consistent performances, currently ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and three interceptions. While these may not be eye-popping statistics, Murray’s steady play has been instrumental in the Cardinals' ability to maintain their lead in the division.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cardinals face significant challenges as they are set to compete against the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings in their next outings. The Seahawks, with a 5-5 record, started the season strongly with three straight wins and boast the second-highest passing yards per game in the league. Their reliance on quarterback Geno Smith makes them a dangerous opponent. A victory for the Seahawks could elevate their chances of clinching the NFC West to 29.4%, adding pressure to the Cardinals to secure a win to boost their own title probability to 60.4%.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams remain in the hunt, albeit with different outlooks. The 49ers share a 5-5 record with the Seahawks and have a 21.5% chance of taking the division. The Rams, trailing behind with a lower 9.1% division win probability, face their own crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, a win that could increase their chances to 13.7%.
A Tight Race to the Finish
As the season progresses, the NFC West is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in the NFL. Each of the four teams has demonstrated resilience, and the coming weeks promise to be thrilling for fans and analysts alike. The Cardinals have positioned themselves admirably, but with multiple contenders nipping at their heels, the path to division glory is fraught with challenges.
The Arizona Cardinals’ narrative this season is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic adaptability. Should they maintain their momentum, the Cardinals could once again be crowned NFC West champions, a title that has eluded them for nearly a decade.