As the 2024 NFL season hits its stride, an unexpected narrative is unfolding in the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals, who languished at the bottom of their division with consecutive 4-13 seasons, have emerged as a frontrunner. Displaying newfound resolve, they currently boast a 6-4 record, crowning themselves atop the NFC West standings.
Historically, the NFC West has been a battleground dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, each with three division titles since 2015. The Seattle Seahawks have also been formidable contenders, clinching the title twice in the same period. The Cardinals’ resurgence marks a significant shift in a division accustomed to the dominance of its California teams.
After a disheartening start to the season, where they lost three of their first four games, the Cardinals found their footing in a remarkable comeback against the 49ers in Week 5. Trailing 23-10 at halftime, Arizona rallied to seize a narrow 24-23 victory. This dramatic win seemed to galvanize the team, who subsequently won five of their next six games, catapulting them to the top of the division.
At this crucial juncture, the Cardinals have a 48.2% chance of clinching the NFC West title, with opportunities to bolster these odds in upcoming matches against the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks, currently at 5-5, started the season with promise, winning their first three games, and are now the league's second-best in terms of passing yards per game. Led by quarterback Geno Smith, Seattle remains a formidable adversary. A win against the Cardinals would boost their division title chances to 29.4%, while a victory for Arizona could bolster their chances to a commanding 60.4%.
Quarterback Kyler Murray has been instrumental in Arizona’s success. Ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and three interceptions, Murray's performance is pivotal to the Cardinals' offensive strategy. Complementing him is running back James Conner, who spearheads Arizona's ground attack, the fifth most productive in the league, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner, on the cusp of achieving his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, has been critical in maintaining offensive balance for the Cardinals.
The NFC West remains tightly contested, with the San Francisco 49ers also in the mix, holding a 5-5 record and a 21.5% chance to seize the division crown. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, although possessing a lesser 9.1% probability of division victory, can see their chances rise to 13.7% with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Cardinals prepare for their upcoming challenges, their path to reclaiming the NFC West title—eluding them since 2015—demands continued grit and precision. In a division fraught with competition, Arizona's recent form signals an engaging chase for supremacy as the season marches toward its crescendo.