Hence why I led that sentence with "Advanced metrics/computer polls have their value" - I don't disagree but much as ignoring all the data is a fools game, so is being obsessive about it and not recognizing limitations, such as limited data early in the year.
Those who truly succeed in the 21st century in most areas, whether it is sports, business, or whatever else are those who can blend the art and the science to reach conclusions. Too many quant jock types ignorantly swear off the value of qualitative analysis, and too many people who are afraid of numbers swear off the value of data.