SI: Redskins To Finish First in NFC East

Chris Cooley Looks like everyone is starting to come out of hibernation and prepare for the games that count. And the 800-pound gorilla of sports has spoken: Sports Illustrated has released its annual NFL predictions.

In what is probably the NFL's toughest division, SI took the easy road as far as the four teams' records. Somehow, some way, SI says they're all going to finish at 9-7. Even the Eagles! But only one team can finish in first place, and SI got it right. With the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys earning wildcard berths, SI says the Washington Redskins will win the division.

But to make sure they weren't viewed as finally giving th Redskins some respect, SI compromised their intelligence by predicting the Giants will beat the Redskins in the first round of the playoffs. They even have the Giants beating the Seattle Seahawks next to go on to the NFC Championship game when they'll finally lose to the Carolina Panthers, who will beat the Miami Dolphins (in Miami) for the Super Bowl title.

Whatever.

They also listed Chris Cooley as a future breakout player. With Al Saunders running the show, Cooley is looking to improve on last year's numbers, in which he grabbed 71 passes for 700+ yards and 7 TDs. Saunders says when Cooley's career is over, he will be recognized as one of the premier TEs in the league. Strong words considering Saunders also made Tony Gonzales who he is.

By the way, who does SI think will have the first overall draft pick next year? The Houston Texans who they predict will finish 3-11.