The Arizona Cardinals have had a dramatic turnaround in the 2024 NFL season, establishing themselves as the unexpected leaders of the NFC West. After enduring two grueling seasons with a record of 4-13, the Cardinals are finally basking in a long-awaited resurgence, last experienced during their NFC West division win in 2015.
The division itself has seen the pendulum swing between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, each boasting three division titles since 2015, while the Seattle Seahawks have claimed the top spot twice. Yet, this year, the Cardinals have disrupted the usual hierarchy, proving their mettle with a 6-4 record, positioning them at the top of the standings.
A Rocky Start with a Remarkable Midseason Turnaround
The path to the top hasn't been smooth for the Cardinals. Starting the season with three losses in their first four games, skepticism seemed justified. However, a thrilling victory over the 49ers in Week 5 ignited a spark within the team. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals made an exhilarating comeback, securing a nail-biting 24-23 win. This victory served as a catalyst, fueling their charge to win five out of their next six games, thereby taking command of the NFC West.
At this pivotal juncture, the Cardinals' chances of clinching the division have surged to 48.2%. Such odds were inconceivable at the outset of the season, given their past struggles. A win in their upcoming match against formidable opponents like the Seattle Seahawks would further bolster their odds to an impressive 60.4%.
Key Players Leading the Charge
At the heart of Arizona's success is quarterback Kyler Murray. Although currently ranking 16th in the NFL for touchdown passes with 12 and having thrown three interceptions, his leadership and flair have been crucial throughout. Complementing him is running back James Conner, spearheading an Arizona ground attack that ranks fifth in the league, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game. As the season progresses, Conner is mere 303 yards shy of achieving his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, a testament to his consistency and drive.
The Cardinals, however, are not alone in their quest for the division crown. The Seattle Seahawks, with a balanced 5-5 record, pose a significant challenge. Beginning the season with three consecutive victories, the Seahawks heavily rely on the prowess of quarterback Geno Smith. Their aerial attack is second only in the NFL for passing yards per game, underscoring the dangers they present. A win against the Cardinals could inflate their division title chances to 29.4%, marking this upcoming clash as a pivotal battle for supremacy in the NFC West.
The Battle for Supremacy
Elsewhere in the division, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have not been as fortunate. The 49ers also sit with a 5-5 record but hold a comparatively modest 21.5% probability of taking the division title. As for the Rams, their chance stands even lower at 9.1%, although a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles could slightly raise their chances to 13.7%. These figures illuminate the increasingly tight and competitive nature of the division.
The next few weeks promise to be a thrilling and intense period for NFC West aficionados. Will the Cardinals continue their ascendancy and claim a long-awaited division title, or will historical patterns repeat, allowing one of the perennial giants to regain control? Regardless, the narrative is unfolding into an exhilarating chapter of NFL history, with the Cardinals front and center in this remarkable storyline.