Athletes are continuously told, "It's not how you start; it's how you finish." While true, a great start can completely change expectations and build confidence—which can lead to a great finish.
A strong start is always preferable to trying to close the gap when a season is on the line. But expectations can be a funny thing.
Narratives are built during the preseason only to change through the course of the regular season due to on-field performances.
Some projections are easy. Others aren't. Teams found in the gray areas sometimes emerge from the fog and surprise.