Last year I posted my own personal power rankings. As we gear up for next season its never too late to look back and review 2007 power rankings. Below are my pre-season personal rankings and the actual SFL Power Rankings after week 17.
Lets take a look at which teams which were within 3 spots from my predictions. They are who I thought they were!
Washington Team #2 | Actual #4GM Bryan Melon made everyone aware there was very little change in the Washington roster, so it was an easy choice to pick the 2006 Super Bowl winners to be a competitive team. The biggest change in the division came from the improvements in Dallas, and at the halfway point there was a moment where a playoffs without Washington could be possible. A five game win streak found themselves with a wildcard spot. After an familiar playoff run, Washington only fell to New Orleans, which would go on to win the 2007 Super Bowl. I predicted the Washington Team at number 2, but they finished with a power ranking at 4. I was off by two spots.
Jacksonville Jaguars #9 | Actual #11The Jaguars finished 2006 with an 8-8 record and that was enough to lead their division with a 2nd playoff appearance in a row. The combination of division and history, I predicted the Jaguars would lead again. Big changes in Tennessee and Houston led to changes in the division, but the Jaguars put up a good fight until the end of the season with big losses to both Steelers and the Texans in the final 3 weeks. Despite missing the playoffs, the Jaguars played well. Kassim Osgood was the star of the team with 1260 yards and 11 TDs! Aside him Donnovan McNabb was a top 10 QB, 6th leading QB in passing with 3,758 yards. As the Jaguars transition with a new GM, its certain that the Jacksonville roster has pieces for a strong foundation. I predicted the Jags at number 9 and they finished with a power ranking of 11. I was off by two spots.
Cincinnati Bengals #4 | Actual #7The Bengals were the top team in the NFC North in 2006. Not too many changes in the offseason and John Kitna was fantastic the previous season made Bengals my top pick in their division. What could be seen as a rough start to the Bengals they finished the first half winning only 3 games. A big change after a blockbuster deal for HB Tiki Barber the team transformed into 2006 form. Barber finished with 1575 rushing yards and 9 freaking touchdowns! Jon Kitna would stay in great shape and 3rd year WR Chase Lyman would emerge as their top receiver. Lyman would finish with 9 touchdowns and 1000+ receiving yards. In a battle with divisional rival and Ohioan Brethren, the Cleveland Browns, they would exchange wins during the season, but the Bengals finished Champions of the NFC North. The Browns and Bengals would rematch in the playoffs. I originally predicted the Bengals as the number 4 power ranked team, but in week 17 finished number 7 SFL power ranked team. I was wrong by three spots.
Buffalo Bills #8 | Actual #5The Bills looked to be a top competitor in the AFC East. They had a fantastic 2006 season and I expected them to continue this trend. After making a big time trade for WR Quincy Morgan, The Bills looked to have a strong passing attach. McNair was in the top ten QBs for touchdowns and Andre Davis and Quincy Morgan both finished the season with 8 TDs each. The Bills were able to gain steam at the end of the season and finished with a 4 game win streak and take first place in the AFC and granting them a bye week only to fall to the AFC Champions the Chargers. Due to their success last season I predicted the Buffalo Bills at number 8. After 17 weeks of football the SFL power ranking placed the Bills at number 5. I was wrong by three spots.
Cleveland Browns #11 | Actual #13The spotlight was on the Browns last offseason. After a mighty 2006 season and a big trade for QB Philip Rivers, the Browns were on their 3rd QB in 3 years. There was high expectations after leading the league in offense and defense last year a new, younger QB had me doubting repeat success in 2007. To Philip Rivers credit, he was able to throw 26 touchdowns, 20 of those to both Hines Ward and Antonio Bryant. Rivers had his 2nd best season since 2005. The Browns started hot but finished 10-6 and tied with the Bengals and ultimately placed 2nd in the division, but earned a spot in the playoffs and went on to win two before falling to the AFC Champions. I originally placed the Cleveland Browns at number 11. After 17 weeks the SFL power rankings placed the Browns at number 13. I was wrong by two spots.
Miami Dolphins #15 | Actual #17The Miami Dolphins were the darlings of the draft after grabbing WR Calvin Johnson and making a big time trade for HB Clinton Portis. The Dolphins looked like they were ready for some changes in their roster trading both Takeo Spikes, Plaxico Buress, and Patrick Surtain in the offseason. The Dolphins looked to establish their new direction with convincing wins vs Washington Team, Raiders, and Texans. But a difficult division and back to back losses to both Jets and Bills put them in a tough spot in the division. Calvin Johnson did finish in the top ten WRs in receiving yards with 1296 in his rookie season and Nick Barnett led the league in tackles. Top talent on both sides of the ball. The Dolphins finished with an 8-8 record. I originally predicted the Dolphins at number 15 in power rankings. After 17 weeks the SFl power rankings put the Dolphins at number 17. I was wrong by two spots.
I got one more article planned to conclude my look back at my predictions. Look out for one more!
