In a season filled with twists and turns, the Arizona Cardinals have somehow managed to keep their playoff hopes alive. Sunday’s thrilling 30-17 victory over the New England Patriots not only improved their record to 7-7 but also reaffirmed that a postseason berth is still within reach. Despite the rollercoaster ride, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are poised to make a late surge in the hotly contested NFC West.
The NFC West Playoff Picture
As it stands, the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) and Los Angeles Rams (8-6) are tied atop the division. However, both teams suffered crucial losses in Week 15, opening the door for Arizona to make a move. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Cardinals now have a 12.6% chance of making the playoffs and a 12.3% chance of winning the NFC West.
The simplest path for Arizona involves winning out while hoping Seattle and Los Angeles each lose at least two of their final three games. It’s a tall order, but the remaining schedules offer some intrigue:
- Seahawks: at Vikings, vs Bears, vs Rams
- Rams: at Jets, at Cardinals, at Seahawks
- Cardinals: vs Panthers, vs Rams, at 49ers
Tiebreaker Scenarios
If the Cardinals finish tied with Seattle and Los Angeles at 10-7, they would win the division based on tiebreakers. A two-way tie with the Rams at 10-7 would also favor Arizona. Even a 9-8 record could be enough if the Cardinals beat the Rams in Week 17 and get some help.
“I’m really not even looking forward,” Murray said after Sunday’s game. “Obviously, we took care of business today. Go back and watch the tape and then get ready for the Panthers.”
– Kyler Murray on the playoff race
Wild Card Possibilities
Arizona’s most likely path to the postseason is winning the NFC West, but a Wild Card spot isn’t out of the question. To claim the 7th seed, the Cardinals would need the Washington Commanders to lose out, while also winning their remaining games. It’s an unlikely scenario, but still mathematically possible.
Kyler Murray’s Leadership
Amidst the playoff chatter, Kyler Murray remains focused on the task at hand. His poise and leadership have been instrumental in keeping the Cardinals’ postseason dreams afloat. If Arizona is to make a improbable run, they’ll need Murray to be at his dynamic best.
“We’ll just reset ourselves. We know we got a two-day trip going to Carolina and they play hard, they’re well coached, so we’re going to have to do what we need to do throughout the week.”
– Coach Jonathan Gannon on staying focused
The road ahead won’t be easy for the Cardinals, but simply having a chance at this stage is a testament to their resilience. With Murray under center and a defense starting to find its groove, Arizona has the pieces to be a dangerous out if they can sneak into the dance. The NFL’s playoff puzzle still has a few empty spaces – don’t be surprised if the Cardinals are the ones to fill them in.
