Why the Arizona Cardinals Could Be the Sleeper Pick to Win the NFC West
When sportsbooks post their NFL futures odds, the NFC West typically looks like a two-team race between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. But if you’re looking for value in 2025, there’s a case to be made that the Arizona Cardinals are a legitimate sleeper to win the division—and maybe the most overlooked team in the NFL.
Right now, FanDuel lists the Cardinals at +370 to win the NFC West, meaning a $100 bet would return $370 in profit if they pull it off. Given the state of the division, that number might be undervaluing Arizona’s true chances.
💪 Kyler Murray: The Best QB in the Division?
The NFC West quarterback landscape has shifted:
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San Francisco is elite elsewhere, but Brock Purdy’s ceiling is still a question mark.
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Seattle is handing the offense to Sam Darnold, a player still trying to prove he’s more than a stopgap.
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The Rams have Matthew Stafford, but he’s 37 and now battling a herniated disc in his back—a serious concern for a quarterback’s mobility and durability.
Meanwhile, Kyler Murray is healthy, locked in, and the most dynamic quarterback in the division. His ability to extend plays, attack defenses with both his arm and legs, and command the offense makes him a difference-maker in close games.
🩹 49ers Already Battling Injuries
The 49ers’ roster is still loaded with talent, but they’re starting 2025 with health concerns.
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Star WR Brandon Aiyuk is expected to miss time early in the season.
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Key defensive contributors are also managing injuries, which could affect San Francisco’s dominant pass rush and coverage early in the year.
Even the most stacked teams can stumble when injuries hit at the wrong time—especially in a competitive division.
❓ Seattle’s Gamble on Sam Darnold
The Seahawks are betting big on Darnold to keep them competitive. While he showed flashes of competence last year with the Minnesota Vikings , Seattle’s offense doesn’t have the same level of elite playmakers for Darnold to take advantage of.
If Darnold struggles, the Seahawks could be looking at a middling season—opening the door for Arizona to move up the standings.
📈 Arizona’s Upside
The Cardinals closed last season playing much better football than their record indicated, and they’ve made quiet improvements:
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An offensive line that’s healthier and deeper.
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A defense that played tough down the stretch and added reinforcements in the offseason.
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Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. are elite playmakers.
✅ The Verdict
The NFC West is not as locked up as the odds suggest. If Murray stays healthy and the Cardinals build on their late-2024 momentum, Arizona could absolutely steal the division—especially if the 49ers stumble early, the Seahawks’ Darnold experiment fizzles, and Stafford’s back injury limits the Rams’ offense.
At +370 odds on FanDuel, the Cardinals offer one of the most intriguing longshot values in any division race this season.