The Arizona Cardinals have taken the NFC West by storm during the 2024 NFL season, a surprising ascent for a team that previously struggled through consecutive 4-13 seasons. Emerging as a frontrunner, the Cardinals now find themselves at the top of the division with a 6-4 record, a position they haven’t held since their last NFC West division win in 2015.
Riding a Rocky Start to Division Dominance
The Cardinals' journey this season hasn’t been without its challenges. They stumbled early, losing three of their first four games. Despite these initial setbacks, the team’s resilience was on full display in Week 5, when they mounted a comeback against the San Francisco 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, the Cardinals surged to a 24-23 victory, marking the beginning of a significant turnaround.
Since that pivotal game, Arizona has won five of their past six matches, propelling them to the top of the competitive NFC West standings. This division has been primarily dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with each team securing the top spot three times since 2015, while the Seattle Seahawks have also claimed the division title twice in that span.
Key Contributors to Cardinals' Success
Quarterback Kyler Murray has emerged as a consistent leader, ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes against three interceptions. His steady performance has been complemented by a dominant rushing attack led by James Conner. Conner spearheads one of the league’s top ground games, with Arizona ranking fifth, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner is on the brink of reaching his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to hit the milestone.
The Cardinals' impressive form has been reflected in their statistical chances of clinching the NFC West division title, currently standing at 48.2%. A crucial upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks could further boost their prospects. A victory would increase their chances of securing the division to 60.4%.
A Look at the Competition
The Seattle Seahawks, with a 5-5 record, remain one of the Cardinals' most formidable challengers. Seattle started the season strong with three straight wins and has maintained its competitive edge, boasting the second-highest passing yards per game in the NFL. Quarterback Geno Smith has been a pivotal figure in sustaining the Seahawks' aerial prowess. A win against the Cardinals could enhance their division title chances to 29.4%.
Elsewhere in the division, both the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are fighting to keep their hopes alive. The 49ers, matching the Seahawks at 5-5, have a 21.5% chance of taking the division, remaining tenacious contenders despite their midseason struggles. Meanwhile, the Rams find themselves with a 9.1% probability of capturing the division crown, a number that could rise to 13.7% with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Path Ahead
With the season advancing into its critical phase, the Cardinals have significant matchups looming. Their next challenge will be against the Seahawks, an encounter likely to have major implications for both teams' division title aspirations. Following that, Arizona will face the Minnesota Vikings, a game that could consolidate their newfound status as NFC West leaders.
In a division that has been a battleground for supremacy since 2015, the Arizona Cardinals' 2024 campaign stands as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement inherent in the NFL. With a robust roster and a revitalized spirit, the Cardinals aim to extend their success through the concluding weeks of the season and secure a memorable division victory.