NFL Playoff Picks Revisited

Here were my picks at the beginning of the season. As you can see, I went 4 for 12 on the picks--not showing off, not falling behind.

NFC East

Original Pick - Eagles*, Cowboys, Redskins
Actual Results - Giants*, Eagles

I'll be the first to admit it, the Giants surprised me, but my analysis of the NFC East was spot on. Every team finished .500 or better. If any of these teams played in the NFC West, we might be talking about an undefeated season.

NFC North

Original Pick - Vikings*
Actual Results - Vikings*

+1 for Livengood.

NFC South

Original Pick - Saints*
Actual Results - Panthers*, Falcons

Anyone that picked the Falcons to go to the playoffs was either crazy or lying. I probably should have seen the Saints defense couldn't stop anyone.

NFC West

Original Pick - Seahawks*
Actual Results - Cardinals*

It wasn't exactly a tough pick, Seattle had dominated this division the past couple of years. It was more a vote against the other teams rather than a vote of confidence for Seattle. The NFC West didn't disappoint in showing just how bad four collective teams could be. Didn't think it was possible.

AFC East

Original Pick - Patriots*
Actual Results - Dolphins*

You could blame Brady's injury on the Patriots not making the playoffs, but they still finished 11-5. If they had Brady, that would have been good for 1-2 more wins, tops. In the AFC West I picked the Raiders to make the playoffs--horrendous pick, but there is always going to be a surprise team. This time it was the Dolphins, not the Raiders.

AFC North

Original Pick - Browns*
Actual Results - Steelers*, Ravens

The Browns pick was my worst call and I can barely sleep over it. I didn't originally pick the Steelers since they had a tough schedule, but they proved their naysayers wrong. But at what cost? Ben Roethlisberger probably suffered 18 concussions this season and doesn't even know how to spell his last name.

AFC South

Original Pick - Jaguars*, Colts
Actual Results - Titans*, Colts

I was partially right about the South since the Colts relinquished control of the division, I just didn't see the feisty Titans unseating the Colts.

AFC West

Original Pick - Chargers*, Raiders
Actual Results - Chargers*

This division rivals the NFC West for futility. The Chargers made me look good down the stretch, but it wasn't pretty finishing at 8-8. The Raiders, as I explained above, were picked because there are always a few surprise teams. This year it was Atlanta and Miami, just not Oakland.