rarely get to watch other games but I try to look at the scores throughout the week and keep and awareness of other teams, situations etc, which really help give me context. Some of the comments we get here lose all credibility for me because it is clear the writer doesn't even see what is happening everywhere.
Its even more true in basketball than football. One player playing out of his mind and players on the other team having an off night can make the best team in the country lose to a never should have won team.