The Arizona Cardinals are making waves in the NFL, emerging as a formidable force in the NFC West during the 2024 season. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals' resurgence is a surprising turn of events, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts across the nation. Once a team struggling to find its footing, the Cardinals have clawed their way to the top with a 6-4 record, asserting dominance in a division that has been toughly contested.
Historically, the NFC West has been the battleground of titans like the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, each having claimed the division crown three times since the Cardinals’ last division title in 2015. The Seattle Seahawks, not to be underestimated, have captured the division twice in the same period. This year, however, the Cardinals have rewritten their narrative, establishing themselves as frontrunners—a position they haven’t enjoyed in nearly a decade.
The Cardinals' ride this season has been a rollercoaster. Their campaign kicked off on uncertain ground, with the team losing three of their first four games. Week 5 served as a pivotal moment, a dramatic comeback victory that no doubt will be remembered for years to come. Facing the 49ers, they overturned a daunting 23-10 halftime deficit, clinching a thrilling 24-23 victory. This triumph proved to be a catalyst, as the Cardinals proceeded to win five of their next six games, lifting themselves to the top of the NFC West standings.
Currently, the Cardinals harbor a 48.2% probability of clinching the NFC West division title, a testament to their hard-earned resurgence. This figure could rise to an impressive 60.4% with a victory against their upcoming rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, who are just a game behind with a 5-5 record. The stakes are remarkably high, not just for Arizona, but for the entire division.
Leading the charge for the Cardinals is quarterback Kyler Murray. Ranking 16th in the NFL, Murray has thrown 12 touchdown passes against three interceptions this season, providing stability and leadership to the team. Complementing Murray's aerial assault is the formidable ground game led by running back James Conner. Conner has been a key component of the Cardinals' offense, propelling them to a fifth-place ranking in the league with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. His individual pursuit of a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season remains within reach, needing only 303 more yards to hit that milestone.
As the Cardinals navigate the remaining stretch of the season, upcoming matches against the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings present critical tests. The Seahawks, boasting an equally tense 5-5 record, began their season with three straight victories and possess the second-best passing attack in the NFL, spearheaded by quarterback Geno Smith. A win against the Cardinals would significantly boost Seattle's division title aspirations to 29.4%.
In this tightly contested division, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams lurk closely behind. The 49ers, with a similar 5-5 record, have a 21.5% shot at the division title. Meanwhile, the Rams, currently lower in the probability stakes at 9.1%, could elevate their chances to 13.7% with a win in their next matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Such dynamics underscore the high-stakes drama that defines the NFC West this year, where every game could potentially reshape the playoff picture.
For fans and analysts alike, the resurgence of the Arizona Cardinals is both a compelling and unexpected development. Their journey through the 2024 season encapsulates the highs and lows of the NFL—where perseverance, strategy, and sheer talent converge to create sporting spectacles. With several pivotal games ahead, one thing is clear: the Cardinals are no longer the underdogs but are now legit contenders, poised to alter the course of their season and possibly reclaim glory in the NFC West.