Cardinals Rising: Arizona’s Resurgence in the NFC West
In a startling twist of fate, the Arizona Cardinals have emerged as a frontrunner in the NFC West during the 2024 NFL season, defying odds and expectations alike. A team that had suffered through back-to-back 4-13 records in previous seasons is now rewriting its narrative with a strong display that has left fans and analysts buzzing.
The Cardinals' last taste of division victory came in 2015, a year when they seemed poised to become perennial contenders. However, their subsequent fall from grace left the NFC West open to the dominance of the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, each clinching the top spot three times since Arizona's last triumph. The Seattle Seahawks also claimed the title twice in that span, reinforcing the competitive nature of the division.
Arizona’s resurgence this season did not begin on a strong note, as they lost three of their first four games. However, the turning point came in a gritty Week 5 showdown against the formidable 49ers. Despite trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals staged a remarkable comeback to seal a 24-23 victory, igniting their season with a spark few anticipated.
Since that galvanizing win, Arizona has maintained impressive form, winning five of their next six games. Now with a 6-4 record, the Cardinals find themselves at the pinnacle of the NFC West standings. As it stands, they harbor a 48.2% chance of clinching the division title, a prospect that seemed a distant dream just months ago.
A significant contributor to the Cardinals' resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who ranks 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes alongside three interceptions. While not amongst the league’s leaders, Murray’s performance has provided the stability and leadership required in high-pressure moments. Complementing Murray is running back James Conner, spearheading Arizona’s ground attack, which ranks an impressive fifth in the league with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner, currently closing in on his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needs just 303 more yards to add another milestone to his flourishing career.
As the Cardinals prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, each game holds significant weight for their playoff aspirations. The Seahawks, holding a 5-5 record, initially burst out of the gates with a trio of straight wins and are now ranking second in the NFL for passing yards per game. The efficacy of their passing attack, orchestrated by quarterback Geno Smith, presents a formidable challenge for the Cardinals' defense.
A victory against the Seahawks would not only bolster the Cardinals’ divisional lead but also increase their title chances to 60.4%. Conversely, a win for Seattle could significantly enhance their own prospects, raising their odds to 29.4% in the NFC West race. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers, sharing a 5-5 record, retain a 21.5% chance of recapturing the division, while the Rams, lagging slightly behind, hold a 9.1% probability of rising to the top.
For the Rams, a win against the Philadelphia Eagles could be pivotal, potentially nudging their chances up to 13.7%. Such is the competitive nature of the NFC West, where fortunes can change rapidly with each passing week.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the Arizona Cardinals' narrative serves as a testament to the unpredictability of the NFL, reminding fans why they love the game. It is a story of resilience, strategic excellence, and the sheer will to defy history. With each coming game, the Cardinals will have the opportunity to cement their status as formidable contenders in a division marked by fierce competition.