GLENDALE – Through the past three decades, four NFL teams that didn’t make the postseason the year prior made the jump the following season. It has been one of the most consistent trends in the 21st century of the NFL, and Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron likes the Arizona Cardinals to join that list. Cameron rated the best betting odds for teams that didn’t make the playoffs in 2024 to make it next year, with Arizona being the top of the list.
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon during mini-camp at the Cardinals training center in Tempe on Jun 12, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Cameron on Cardinals playoff hopes:
“The Cardinals made notable improvements to their offense in 2024, and it resulted in top-10 marks in PFF overall grade (81.0) and EPA per play (0.058). It was the defense that fell well short, leading Arizona to make significant investments in that side of the ball this offseason. Headlined free-agent signing Josh Sweat, who flourished under Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia, and first-round draft pick Walter Nolen, Arizona’s front is geared up for 2025.
“Oddsmakers have Arizona’s win total line set at 8.5, in line with PFF’s projection of 8.7. With a 44% projected chance of making the playoffs, the Cardinals rank seventh among NFC teams in postseason probability.”
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) alongside quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Washington Commanders in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The franchise had one of the five hardest schedules in the league last year, and still fell only a couple games short of making the playoffs. General manager Monti Ossenfort saw the team’s development in 2024 and spent big the following offseason on the defense to take the team to the next step. Ossenfort spent over $100 million on edge Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Calais Campbell, while spending six of Arizona’s seven picks on the defense.
It would be surprising if the Cardinals defense isn’t one of the best in the NFC with all the talent on the roster. Rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen and cornerback Will Johnson will be instant impact players that bring youth and energy to a defense that has been lackluster over the years. Nolen at Ole Miss lead the program to the best run defense in the nation, while Johnson’s last healthy season at Michigan led to a national championship and winning MVP.
Jun 10, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during minicamp at the teams Arizona Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 2025 season will be the third with head coach Jonathan Gannon under the helm and results are expected. Gannon took over a four-win team and replicated that mark his debut season, but last year doubled Arizona’s win total to eight. The team is slowly improving, and with the roster in place, the next step is to bring this team to the postseason, which PFF believes isn’t a long shot.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
