The 2024 NFL season has witnessed a surprising turn of events in the NFC West as the Arizona Cardinals have emerged as frontrunners. Long considered underdogs, the Cardinals have defied expectations, shaking off recent years of struggle to top their division standings.
After enduring two consecutive 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals now sit atop the NFC West with a 6-4 record. This marks a potential shift in power within a division historically dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams since 2015, who have each won the division three times. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks captured the top spot twice during the same period. In comparison, the Cardinals last claimed the NFC West title in 2015, making their current success feel like a revival.
The Comeback Season
The Cardinals' journey to their current standing is a tale of resilience. They began the 2024 season inauspiciously, dropping three of their first four games, but turned their fortunes around in Week 5 with a dramatic comeback victory over the 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, Arizona rallied to a 24-23 victory, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround.
Building on the momentum from that game, the Cardinals went on to win five of their next six matchups, catapulting themselves to the top of the NFC West. Their impressive run has led to a 48.2% chance of clinching the division title, a significant improvement over their pre-season projections.
Key Players Stepping Up
Much of the Cardinals' success can be attributed to the performance of their key players. Quarterback Kyler Murray has shown notable poise and skill, ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes, while maintaining ball security with only three interceptions. Complementing his efforts, running back James Conner has been a powerhouse in the Cardinals' potent ground attack, contributing to their fifth-place league ranking with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner is also on the verge of achieving his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to reach this milestone.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cardinals look to solidify their place atop the NFC West, they face crucial battles ahead. Their immediate challenge comes against the Seattle Seahawks, who have a 5-5 record. The Seahawks, who began their season with three straight wins, remain formidable competitors, especially with their potent passing game led by quarterback Geno Smith. Notably, Seattle ranks second in the NFL for passing yards per game, making their offense a significant threat.
A victory against Seattle could bolster the Cardinals' division title chances to 60.4%. Conversely, a win for the Seahawks would increase their own chances of winning the division to 29.4%, intensifying the competition in the division. The upcoming games thus serve as pivotal showdowns that could shape the division’s hierarchy for the remainder of the season.
Division Rivals
The San Francisco 49ers, with a 5-5 record and a 21.5% chance to take the division, cannot be counted out. Similarly, the Los Angeles Rams, despite having a lower probability of 9.1% for the division title, could see their chances rise to 13.7% with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. These statistics underscore the stakes involved and illustrate the fierce competition within the NFC West this season.
All eyes are on the Cardinals as they continue their improbable ascent. If they maintain their current trajectory, not only could they clinch a division championship for the first time in nearly a decade, but they could also set the stage for a deep playoff run. The season is poised to be a test of endurance and skill for the Cardinals, one where every game and every play will carry weight.
With high stakes and intense rivalries, the NFC West promises to deliver captivating football in the weeks to come. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Cardinals can sustain their momentum and rewrite the narrative of a once-struggling franchise into one of triumph and redemption.