Cardinals Soar to NFC West Benchmark
The Arizona Cardinals are making headlines as they emerge as a dominant force in the NFC West during the 2024 NFL season. Rising from the ashes of consecutive 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals have revitalized their game plan and now sit at the pinnacle of their division, boasting a 6-4 record. This turnaround is particularly noteworthy given their challenging start, losing three of their opening four games.
A Resilient Comeback
The Cardinals' standout moment this season came with a dramatic comeback against division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, in Week 5. After trailing 23-10 at halftime, Arizona rallied to seize a 24-23 victory, which catalyzed their current campaign. This win injected much-needed momentum, propelling them to victories in five of their next six games and setting them atop the NFC West standings.
Despite a history of division wins dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams—each victorious three times since 2015—the Cardinals have staked their claim as serious contenders for the title this year. The Seattle Seahawks, with divisional successes twice since 2015, are also in the fray, which makes the Cardinals' current leadership position even more impressive.
Playoff Dreams and Division Hopes
Currently, the Cardinals hold a 48.2% chance of clinching the NFC West division title. Their upcoming clash with the Seattle Seahawks is crucial, as it could increase Arizona's division title chances to 60.4% with a win. On the flip side, the Seahawks, with a 5-5 record, see their prospects for the top spot bolstered to 29.4% if they manage to claim victory over Arizona.
Meanwhile, the competition remains fierce with the 49ers sharing a 5-5 record and a 21.5% likelihood of capturing the division. The Los Angeles Rams are trailing with a 9.1% chance, though this could rise to 13.7% if they triumph over the formidable Philadelphia Eagles in their looming contest.
Players Making Impact
Central to the Cardinals' success is quarterback Kyler Murray, who has been instrumental in steadying the team. Ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes, Murray’s leadership is underscored by his discipline, having thrown just three interceptions this season. Complementing Murray's aerial efforts is the Cardinals' ground game, led by running back James Conner. The Arizona rushing attack ranks fifth in the league, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game, with Conner nearing another milestone; he is just 303 yards shy of securing his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.
The Seahawks, however, are not resting on the laurels of early-season wins, also at 5-5 but recognized for their potent passing offense, ranking second in the NFL for yards through the air. Much of this success is owed to the reliable arm of quarterback Geno Smith, who has been a linchpin in orchestrating Seattle's attack.
The Path Ahead
With the stakes high, Arizona's next fixtures are critical. Beyond the upcoming battle with Seattle, a awaited clash with the Minnesota Vikings will test the Cardinals' mettle. Victory in these matches will be pivotal as they aim to end a nearly decade-long drought since their last NFC West division triumph in 2015.
The narrative of the 2024 NFL season in the NFC West is still unfolding, with the Cardinals scripting a compelling chapter. As they aim to fend off fierce competition from divisional stalwarts, the Cardinals’ resurgence serves as a testament to resilience and strategic rebuilding, promising an exciting and potentially historic conclusion to their season journey.