Some of my 2016 NFL predictions are looking smarter than others as Week 7 nears its close. A deep dive into five of my best ones -- and five not-so-great ones -- provides a few lessons for the future.
Five preseason predictions still looking good
The Vikings are the most underrated team
Minnesota entered the season loaded on defense. Coach Mike Zimmer seemed to have instilled a hard-nosed edge in his team, and I thought the offense would do enough with Adrian Peterson taking pressure off a generally efficient Sam Bradford. The Vikings' ability to keep winning after losing Peterson made the "underrated" label seem every smarter, but the fast start has also pumped up expectations. Minnesota might now be one of the more overrated teams, as a result.
Personnel evaluators I spoke with heading into Week 7 expected a course correction, even though most gave Minnesota a good shot to win at Philly.
"The Vikings' offensive line is just in shambles," one evaluator said before the Eagles pressured Bradford on 36 percent of his dropbacks, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season. "I think it is just a matter of time before things fall apart, just because of the offensive line, and then we know the quarterback's track record, and it's probably only a matter of time before he gets hurt too."
