You just never know, and that's one of the many beauties of sport.
Sometimes, out of nowhere, major shocks reverberate from left-field. The likes of Leicester City, Cronulla Sharks and even North Harbour can upset the applecart and kick the bookies in the backside. You cannot predict any of it with absolute certainty.
Which is why Sunday morning's stunning Ireland performance is a perfect reminder of not believing your own hype - and that humility is just as important BEFORE a game as it is afterwards.
So, let's take a retrospective look at the build-up to Ireland's 40-29 victory in the New Zealand media. Did any pundit, writer, ex-player or so-called 'expert' on the All Black bandwagon give Ireland a chance?
You're damn right they didn't. Not one - this was just another step towards a clean sweep. We even looked further ahead and predicted that Cyprus' world record of wins was going to fall. Whoa there! Hold your horses, people.
The moment you take your eye off your opponent's punch is when you get smacked in the face. And I'm sorry, but that's what happened in the other Windy City. It seems All Blacks management got caught up in the hyperbole.
Maybe Aaron Smith was outstanding in training, but it was a big gamble to drop T.J. Perenara, who was in electric form. His second half performance nearly dragged New Zealand out of the mire.
Jerome Kaino at lock? Erm, what?
And as for the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series - who gives a monkey's? But it was still good to see Beauden Barrett and the boys taking selfies with the locals - I mean, they had a great time all week, didn't they? Perhaps too good a time.
Yes, but the whole point of the trip was to popularise rugby in the U.S of A, it's good for them to interact. Pull the other one, this game was about money. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm sure the millions of Cubs fans would have had just as good a time had the ABs decided not to say 'howdy'!
But whether the focus was there or not, all the Ireland coaching staff had to do was let the players know how much they'd been written off.
Nine dollars at the TAB, in a match that has been incredibly close in recent times, at a neutral venue? Again, someone took their eye off the punch.
Look, I am a huge admirer of the All Blacks. My article on the greatest sporting teams in history stemmed from my admiration of what the All Blacks have achieved and how they've done it. One of the best sporting units to ever walk the planet, if not the best.
However, it's time for a reality check.
The reaction to this defeat has been unanimous. 'The All Blacks are wonderful, Steve Hansen has responded with class and dignity. The players are totally respectful and giving Ireland all the praise they deserve'.
It's a lot easier to be humble when you've lost one in 19 and won the last two World Cups. But you must respect your opponents at ALL times.
I think this is what Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was getting at with the clown cartoon. Yes, I know the Aussies did it first with the Richetty Grub, but that doesn't mean the media has to follow suit.
Adopt the higher ground, you are by far and away the best in the world - take criticism in your stride.
Warren Gatland expressed an opinion and has since been banished, with calls for his passport to be taken off him. Deary me. Is there a touch of preciousness creeping in?
This is a huge lesson for New Zealand rugby fraternity in what was one of the best games I've ever seen.
But no matter what, Chicago, You're The Inspiration!
Newshub.