The NFC West is turning into one of the most competitive playoff races possible. The Arizona Cardinals currently have the lead in the division, and are favored to win the NFC West. However, the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers are all 5-5. 

The 49ers suffered a massive blow this week as Brock Purdy won't play. Brandon Allen will make the start, and if the 49ers lose this game as they're expected to, the Cardinals path to the postseason could become much easier. 

At the beginning of the season, very few people expected Arizona to be competitive. The Cardinals defense was concerning, and it was unclear if the offense was ready to take the next step. However, we have seen that the team can put together wins consistently, so this leads us to a new question...

Are the Cardinals playoff contenders? 

Arizona presents many characteristics of a team that can shake up the playoff landscape. This is mainly because of their quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray has been dominant this season, throwing for 2068 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He has the second best traditional QBR in the NFL.

As far as the Cold, Hard Football Facts are concerned, Murray is eighth in Offensive Passer Rating and seventh in Real Quarterback Rating. The Cardinals are ninth in Offensive Rusher Rating and second in Offense Hog Index. 

They have the characteristics of a championship offense, but the defense is still an issue. The Cardinals are 17th in Defensive Passer Rating, 18th in Defensive Real Quarterback Rating and 16th in Defensive Rusher Rating. Average doesn't win championships, but the Cardinals do make it tough for teams to score which is their saving grace. 

Arizona is 10th in Bendability, and any team that hangs tough in the red zone can be a contender. If the Cardinals continue to improve, there is no reason to think they won't be take seriously in the postseason. They have an offense to win, and a defense that has the potential to rise to the occasion. All they must do now is fend off the rest of the teams in the NFC West.