As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the Arizona Cardinals appear rejuvenated and ready to challenge for supremacy within the NFC West. Overcoming a woeful history of consecutive 4-13 seasons and a division title drought stretching back to 2015, the Cardinals currently find themselves pacing the division, a testament to their remarkable progress.
Cardinals' Resurgence
The Cardinals' season began with trepidation, losing three of their first four games. However, a crucial turning point came in Week 5, when the team staged a dramatic comeback against the perennial contenders, the San Francisco 49ers. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, Arizona clawed back to an exhilarating 24-23 victory. This win lit a spark, igniting a run where they captured five of the next six games. Currently holding a 6-4 record, Arizona sits atop the NFC West standings with a realistic chance of clinching the division title, calculated at 48.2%.
Much of the Cardinals' resurgence can be attributed to balanced offensive performances. Quarterback Kyler Murray has delivered respectable numbers, ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes against just three interceptions. Meanwhile, the ground attack has been a force in its own right, spearheaded by the dynamic running back James Conner. Arizona boasts an impressive average of 149.4 rushing yards per game, the fifth-best in the league, and Conner is within 303 yards of securing his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.
Challenges in the NFC West
The NFC West remains one of the NFL's most competitive divisions. Since 2015, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have dominated, each claiming the division's top spot three times, while the Seattle Seahawks have taken the title twice. As the current season unfolds, each team is vying for every advantage in the race for the division crown.
Seattle, trailing Arizona with a 5-5 record, started the season with a surge, winning their first three games. Quarterback Geno Smith has been pivotal to the Seahawks' second-ranked passing game. A victory against the Cardinals in their upcoming clash could bolster Seattle's division title prospects to 29.4%.
On the other hand, the 49ers share Seattle's 5-5 record but hold a slightly less favorable chance of claiming the division, estimated at 21.5%. The Rams, with an even steeper mountain to climb, possess a meager 9.1% probability of topping the division. However, their fortunes could improve slightly to 13.7% with an impending matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Looking Ahead
Arizona's upcoming schedule presents significant challenges and opportunities. A showdown with the Seahawks looms, representing both a test and an opportunity to solidify their lead atop the NFC West. A win in this fixture could see their division title odds soar to 60.4%, deepening their grip on the division lead.
In summary, the Cardinals' resurgence has invigorated their fan base and added a new layer of excitement to the NFC West race. As the season progresses, Arizona must sustain its momentum and manage formidable competition to turn their promising position into tangible success. With a balanced attack on offense and strategic execution, the Cardinals edge closer to reclaiming the glory they last experienced nearly a decade ago.