the title.
It's not the same in MLB - see the Nats last year.
It's not the same in the NFL - after losing 4 of 6 to start 2019 a team like the Titans makes the playoffs and knocks the Pats and Ravens out.
It's not the same in the NHL - the team in last place in January 2019 was lifting Lord Stanley's Cup at the end of the season.
It's not soccer - even in leagues with one or two clear cut top teams.
A case could be made for CFB - but that wasn't in the poll.