NFL 2011: Playoff, Super Bowl And Award Predictions

The NFL is back, and there's certainly no shortage of storylines to follow this year

Will the Packers be able to repeat as Super Bowl champs? (Hint, no.) Will Michael Vick continue his high level of play and lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl? Will the Patriots finally win a playoff game for the first time in four years? Will the Jets finally win an AFC Championship game? How will Rob Ryan's defense work in Dallas?

As always, it will take a full season to answer any of these questions, but it's always forward to look ahead - even if preseason predictions are proven foolish. Once again, the staff at SB Nation Dallas will predict each playoff team and Super Bowl champion - as well as our weekly NFL picks throughout the season.

There's seldom a dull moment in the NFC East, and that looks to be the case once again this year - thanks in large part to the Eagles and their spending spree. Philadelphia brought in Nnamdi Asomugha, Ronnie Brown, Cullen Jenkins, Steve Smith, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie and Vince Young among others as they look to not just win the NFC East, but win the Super Bowl. The Eagles have made it abundantly clear: their goal this year is to win the Super Bowl.

Of course, if preseason means anything (which it almost never does), the Eagles still have flaws. Philadelphia's offensive line has looked weak, which could be problematic as the Eagles certainly will not want their new franchise quarterback in Vick taking constant hits. Still, the Eagles have to be the clear favorite in the NFC East, and one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season.

Dallas will have a difficult path this season if they're going to be a playoff team. Not only do they have to as always go through the NFC East gauntlet, Dallas also has to play the AFC East this season, which means a Week 1 date against the Jets and a Week 6 date with the Patriots in Foxboro.

Every NFL team in the league needs to stay healthy, but this is especially true of the Cowboys. With both starting cornerbacks Terrance Newman and Mike Jenkins likely out against the Jets on Sunday, as well as starting right tackle Tyron Smith, the Cowboys are off to a shaky start without even having played a down.

Luckily for Dallas, the New York Giants have been riddled by injuries as well. Big Blue recently just lost Jonathan Goff for the entire season. Prince Amukamara and Osi Umenyiora are also sidelined to begin the season.

The Giants will certainly contend for a playoff spot, but they are certainly a tier below the Eagles as we head into Week 1 and are likely on par with the Cowboys - thanks to all the injuries they've suffered. 

As for the Redskins, well, if Rex Grossman is the Week 1 starting quarterback then that's all that really needs to be said.

Here's how the staff at SB Nation Dallas sees the Cowboys' season, the NFC East, and the entire NFL panning out. 

Maurice London:

• NFC East: Eagles
• NFC North: Packers
• NFC South: Saints
• NFC West: Cardinals
• NFC Wild Cards: Falcons, Lions
• Dallas Cowboys: 8-8
• AFC East: Patriots
• AFC North: Ravens
• AFC South: Texans
• AFC West: Chargers
• AFC Wild Cards: Jets, Steelers
• Super Bowl: Packers over Chargers
• MVP: Aaron Rodgers
• Defensive Player of the Year: Ndamukong Suh
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Julio Jones
• Defensive Rookie of the Year: Patrick Peterson