GLENDALE – The popular choice for a team to make a jump next season is the Arizona Cardinals, after one of the most complete offseason in the NFL. Coming off its second 4-13 season, the franchise exceeded expectations doubling its win total in 2024 and gave hope to the front office to spend the money to contend.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!General manager Monti Ossenfort spent big money on edge rusher Josh Sweat and brought in veterans like Calais Campbell to elevate the roster to the next level. Ossenfort followed that up with a stellar draft class getting top defensive talents like Walter Nolen and Will Johnson that gives NFL experts not only confidence to make the postseason, but to win the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon talks with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 7, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
CBS Sports Leger Douzable on why Cardinals are the favorites:
Douzable noted that the significant upgrades on the defensive end is enough to convince him that Arizona can make the jump. Head coach Jonathan Gannon inherited a roster that was lacking premier talent but still was able to compete and double the win total from the first to the second year. The eight-year NFL veteran places a lot of pressure on quarterback Kyler Murray to meet his expectation to win the division.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon talks with Arizona Cardinals running back James Connor (6) at training camp on Aug. 3, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The NFC West is touted as one of the toughest divisions in the league. However, this past offseason saw major changes throughout all the teams in the division. The Seattle Seahawks traded starting quarterback Geno Smith, while the San Francisco 49ers lost 17 players in free agency.
The Cardinals biggest competition to win its first division title since 2015 is the Los Angeles Rams. Last year’s NFC West champs lost released star wide receiver Cooper Kupp but replaced him with three-time All-Pro Davante Adams. After starting 2024 1-4, the Rams won nine of their last 12 games and enter next season with the confidence to repeat.
Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Despite Douzable picking the Cardinals to win the NFC west, the franchise is still a long shot to achieve that, as most sportsbooks have it third in odds to win the division at +550. Arizona is used to being the underdogs during Gannon’s tenure as head coach, and similar to his first two years, will look to pull up the upset.
Cardinals Patrick Peterson wants to mend fences with Kyler Murray
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
