The Arizona Cardinals, once mired in the quagmires of two consecutive 4-13 seasons, have risen dramatically through the ranks to become frontrunners in the NFC West during the 2024 NFL season. The team last tasted the divisional title back in 2015. However, under the leadership of quarterback Kyler Murray and the play of running back James Conner, they are making a compelling case for a return to the top.
A Season of Challenges and Comebacks
The season started on a shaky note for the Cardinals, losing three of their first four games. Nevertheless, their Week 5 matchup proved to be a turning point. Against a formidable San Francisco 49ers team, the Cardinals staged a remarkable comeback, rallying from a 23-10 halftime deficit to secure a 24-23 victory. This triumph sparked a resurgence that saw Arizona clinch five wins from their next six outings, catapulting them to a 6-4 record and the top of the NFC West standings.
The Cardinals' strong performance comes amid a division historically dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, each having clinched the top spot three times since 2015. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks have claimed the division twice in the same period. Against this backdrop, the Cardinals' rise is all the more impressive, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the division.
The Statistical and Probabilistic Landscape
Arizona currently holds a 48.2% chance of securing the NFC West division title—a notable feat given their recent struggles. A win against the Seattle Seahawks could further bolster their prospects, pushing their probability up to 60.4%. In contrast, a win for Seattle, who stands with a 5-5 record, could amplify their division title chances to 29.4%.
The race remains competitive, with the 49ers also holding a 5-5 record and a 21.5% chance of clinching the division. The Rams, trailing with a lesser 9.1% probability, can bolster their chances to 13.7% with a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Key Players and Rising Stars
Kyler Murray, Arizona's star quarterback, ranks 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and has maintained relative caution with only three interceptions. His leadership and performance are critical components of the Cardinals' current standing.
Further fortifying the roster is James Conner, spearheading an Arizona ground game that ranks fifth in the league, averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner, on the brink of his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, needs only 303 more yards—a testament to his consistent and dynamic play.
The Path Ahead
As the Cardinals gear up to face the Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings, their trajectory in this tightly contested race will be closely scrutinized. The Seahawks, having begun the season with three straight victories, are particularly formidable with a second-place league ranking in passing yards per game. Led by quarterback Geno Smith, Seattle will likely pose a potent challenge to Arizona’s aspirations.
The NFC West narrative remains fluid, with each team poised to shift its fortunes dramatically depending on the outcomes of upcoming games. The Cardinals, however, are not merely participants in the divisional race—they are current leaders, bringing renewed energy and aspirations to clinch a title that has long eluded them.
As the 2024 season progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch with bated breath to see if the Arizona Cardinals can continue their ascent, dethroning long-standing powerhouses in their bid for divisional glory.