The Resurgence of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West
The Arizona Cardinals have staged a remarkable comeback in the 2024 NFL season, steadily positioning themselves as a frontrunner in the NFC West. After enduring back-to-back seasons with a 4-13 record, the Cardinals have finally overturned their fortunes, much to the delight of their fans who remember the glory of their last NFC West division win in 2015.
The NFC West has been a tightly contested division, mainly dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. These two teams have alternated in securing the top spot three times each since 2015. The Seattle Seahawks have also been a potent force, winning the division twice in the same period. However, this year, the Cardinals have charted a new course and now find themselves at the top of the standings with a 6-4 record.
Overcoming Early Struggles
The Cardinals’ season did not start on a promising note. They lost three of their first four games, leading many to question whether they could shake off the performance issues of previous seasons. But just when it seemed history might repeat itself, the team's fortunes took a turn for the better. The pivotal moment came in Week 5 against the perennial contenders, the San Francisco 49ers.
In a thrilling contest, the Cardinals came back from a 23-10 deficit at halftime to clinch a narrow 24-23 victory. This crucial win against a division rival sparked a remarkable turnaround for the Cardinals, propelling them to win five of their next six games. This newfound momentum has not only elevated their standing but has also significantly boosted their prospects within the division.
Key Performers Leading the Charge
Central to the Cardinals’ resurgence is the performance of key players. Quarterback Kyler Murray, while perhaps not topping the charts, has been instrumental in navigating the team through rough waters. He currently ranks 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and has maintained composure with only three interceptions this season.
Meanwhile, running back James Conner has been a bulwark for the Cardinals’ ground game, which ranks fifth in the league with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner is steadily working towards his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 yards more to cross that milestone.
A Crucial Stretch Ahead
With the Cardinals leading the division, their future prospects hang in balance as they prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks, like the Cardinals, have a 5-5 record and began their season strong with three consecutive wins. Known for their potent passing game, largely orchestrated by quarterback Geno Smith, the Seahawks sit second in the NFL for passing yards per game.
This match-up against the Seahawks holds high stakes. A win for the Cardinals could significantly bolster their division title chances, increasing them to 60.4%. Conversely, a victory for Seattle could raise their own title prospects to 29.4%, emphasizing the competitive pressure within the division.
Elsewhere in the NFC West, the 49ers also stand at 5-5 but with slightly diminished prospects of taking the division, currently pegged at 21.5%. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, sitting a bit further behind, have a 9.1% chance of climbing to the top but could enhance this probability to 13.7% with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cardinals' Path Forward
As the season unfolds, the Arizona Cardinals have a crucial opportunity to build on their current momentum. Their ascent to the top of the NFC West is a testament to the resilience and tenacity that the franchise has cultivated. With a 48.2% chance of clinching the division, the Cardinals are well-positioned but must maintain their focus and performance level to capitalize on this chance.
The road is far from facile, given the competitive nature of the NFC West, but the Cardinals’ recent form suggests they are more than ready to defy the odds. The next few games will be pivotal, not just for defining their season, but for setting a new benchmark for the franchise’s future. This resurgence has electrified the fanbase and reignited hopes that the Cardinals could finally overturn years of mediocrity and reinstate themselves as formidable contenders in the NFL.