The Arizona Cardinals have risen to prominence in the NFC West, a division traditionally dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. After enduring two successive 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals find themselves leading the pack halfway through the 2024 NFL season. This marks a significant shift for a team that last tasted divisional success in 2015.
A Surprising Turnaround
Beginning the season with three losses in their first four games, the Cardinals were seemingly on track for another disappointing campaign. However, a stunning comeback in Week 5 against the 49ers, where they overturned a 13-point halftime deficit to secure a 24-23 victory, sparked a reversal of fortunes. This victory set them on a path where they clinched five wins out of their next six encounters, propelling them to a 6-4 record and the top of the divisional standings.
The Cardinals' unexpected surge is attributed to a combination of strategic gameplay and standout performances. Leading the charge is quarterback Kyler Murray, who has thrown 12 touchdown passes against just three interceptions. While these numbers only place him 16th in the league, they have been sufficient to steer the Cardinals just ahead of their divisional rivals.
Ground Game Dominance
Arizona's renewed vigor can also be credited to a formidable ground game led by running back James Conner. Ranking fifth in the league for rushing yards, the Cardinals average an impressive 149.4 yards per game on the ground. Conner himself is eyeing his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 303 more yards to reach this milestone. His performance has provided a reliable backbone for the Cardinals, allowing them to control the clock and set the pace in their matchups.
While the Cardinals are currently in pole position, their path to the NFC West title is far from secure. With a 48.2% chance of clinching the division, every game holds significant weight. Upcoming matches against the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings are set to test Arizona's resilience and tactical acumen.
Division Rivals in the Hunt
The Seattle Seahawks, currently holding a 5-5 record, remain a formidable challenger within the division. After a strong start with three consecutive victories, they have relied heavily on the prowess of quarterback Geno Smith, achieving second place in passing yards per game in the league. A win against the Cardinals wouldn't just be a morale booster but would also elevate their divisional title chances to 29.4%.
In contrast, the San Francisco 49ers, also at 5-5, possess a 21.5% chance to capture the division, relying on their historical dominance. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, having faced challenges throughout the season, have their sights set on improving their standing from a 9.1% probability of taking top honors. A victory over the Philadelphia Eagles could see their chances rise modestly to 13.7%.
Crunch Time for the Cardinals
The stakes are high as the Cardinals approach their upcoming games. A win against Seattle could boost their divisional title chance significantly, up to 60.4%, solidifying their position as legitimate contenders in the NFC West. This resurgence, from the depths of the division to potentially re-establishing dominance, is a testament to the team’s resilience and strategic adjustments. As the Cardinals aim to rewrite their 2024 narrative, their journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
With the season edging toward its climax, the Arizona Cardinals' newfound momentum has set the stage for an exciting culmination in the NFC West. Whether their revival will result in a divisional title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Cardinals have proven that they are very much back in the game.