In a remarkable turnaround, the Arizona Cardinals have emerged as a serious contender in the NFC West during the 2024 NFL season. This ascension marks a significant shift for a team that had languished with identical 4-13 records in the previous two campaigns. Not since 2015 have the Cardinals been able to claim the NFC West division title, raising excitement and expectations among their faithful fans.
The journey from the bottom of the barrel to frontrunner status has been anything but straightforward for the Cardinals. Starting the season with three losses in their first four games, many assumed the Cardinals were heading for another disappointing year. However, their persistence paid off in Week 5 with a stunning comeback victory against the reigning powerhouses, the San Francisco 49ers. Overcoming a 23-10 halftime deficit, the Cardinals rallied to a 24-23 triumph, signaling that this season might indeed be different.
Since that crucial moment against the 49ers, the Cardinals have continued their impressive run, winning five of their last six games. Now perched at the top of the NFC West standings with a 6-4 record, the Cardinals boast a 48.2% chance of clinching the division title, a prospect that seemed far-fetched just a few weeks ago. With the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks having each claimed the divisional crown three times since 2015, and the Seahawks twice, the Cardinals are ready to disrupt the established order.
At the heart of Arizona's resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who ranks 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes this season. Although he has thrown three interceptions, Murray’s steady command of the offense has been instrumental. Complementing Murray's aerial game is a robust ground attack led by running back James Conner. Ranking fifth in the league with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game, Conner's performance is crucial as he eyes his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to reach this milestone.
The horizon is lined with challenging matchups as the Cardinals prepare to face divisional rival Seattle Seahawks and the formidable Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks, who began their season with a strong start, hold a 5-5 record. Their reliance on quarterback Geno Smith for a high-powered passing offense has positioned them second in the NFL for passing yards per game. A victory for Seattle over the Cardinals could boost their own chances of reclaiming the top spot in the division to 29.4%.
The contest against Seattle holds significant implications for Arizona. Securing another win would increase the Cardinals' division title odds to 60.4%, fortifying their position at the summit. Meanwhile, division stalwarts San Francisco 49ers are not to be discounted, sitting at a 5-5 record with a 21.5% chance to capture the division title. The Los Angeles Rams, although holding a less favorable 9.1% probability, are not entirely out of contention; their chances could rise to 13.7% with a pivotal win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This season thus far has resembled a carousel of shifting fortunes in the NFC West. Long undermined by dominance from the 49ers and Rams, Arizona's renewed vigor has injected fresh unpredictability into the race. The next few games will be crucial as the Cardinals seek to erase their years of underachievement and make a genuine push towards a coveted divisional title. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Arizona to see if they can maintain the momentum and finally bring joy to their resilient fan base.