Nov 22, 2024 - News

Cards lead division after starting season with low expectations

Jeremy Duda

Kyler Murray celebrates in the end zone as he scores a rushing touchdown past Sauce Gardner. — Kyler Murray and the Cardinals were expected to finish at the bottom of the NFC West, but they're leading the division and won five of their last six games. Photo: Chris Coduto/Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals overcame low preseason expectations and a rough start to climb to the top of the NFC West, and they'll have a chance to defend that spot against a division rival this weekend.

The big picture: With a 6-4 record, the Cards narrowly lead their division.

The San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks trail just behind with 5-5 records.

Catch up quick: The Cards were expected to show some improvement after a pair of dismal seasons yet projected at this season's outset to finish last in the competitive division.

Those predictions looked prescient after Arizona lost three of its first four games.

Yes, but: Since then, the Cards have won five of their last six and are on a four-game winning streak.

Zoom in: In his first full season since 2020, quarterback Kyler Murray's stats haven't been eye-popping, but he's been efficient and effective.

He's got the fifth-best completion percentage in the NFL right now and has thrown only three interceptions to go with his 12 passing touchdowns.
Murray has rushed for four touchdowns and 371 yards, making him the team's second-leading rusher behind running back James Conner.
He's sixth in the NFL MVP odds — though a very distant sixth, with Buffalo's Josh Allen and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson as clear favorites.

Between the lines: Collectively, the Cards are one of the best rushing teams in the league this season, with more yards on the ground than anyone except the Eagles, Ravens, Lions and Packers.

Highly touted rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is only averaging about 50 yards per game, but he leads the team with six touchdown receptions.

On the other side of the ball, the always-dependable safety Budda Baker is one of the NFL's top tacklers.

What's next: Arizona plays the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday.

If the Cards win, they'll hold their division lead.
If they lose and the other three NFC West teams win, there would be a four-way tie for first place.

The bottom line: According to at least one analysis, the Cards are currently the favorites to win the NFC West.

Their next three games — two against Seattle and one against the 8-2 Vikings — won't be easy.
And Arizona ends its season with back-to-back games against the 49ers and the Rams, which could determine the conference champion.

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Cards lead division after starting season with low expectations

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