Philadelphia Eagles: A Look at Playoff Odds, Biggest Questions & Impact Rookies

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most exciting teams in all of football, but their draft was one of the most ordinary in the league.

But by ordinary I don't mean bad, it just lacked the flash that they play offense with. Regardless, they acquired the rights to 11 players and Casey Matthews' shoes from Oregon might be the most exciting thing about any of them.

Yet, the Eagles are still the favorites to win a less-than-stellar NFC East this year and, with a few new pieces in free agency, could be considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender—if all goes according to plan that is.

Biggest Questions: Durability and Consistency

 The last time an NFC East team won back-to-back division titles was when the Eagles won four straight between 2000 and 2004.

Since that time the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles have all won two apiece. The three teams have often found themselves in the playoffs together—the Eagles have knocked the Giants out twice, the Giants have beaten the Cowboys—but last year only Philadelphia found a way into the postseason.

If history has shown us anything though, it will be very difficult to repeat as division champions, and Philadelphia has even more to worry about than just their divisional foes.

Tied together with consistency and durability is starting quarterback Michael Vick. The 31-year old sensation has never led a team to back-to-back postseason berths and plays with a reckless style that borders insanity at times. While this post-prison Vick is not as wild as the player we knew in Atlanta, he is still one of the more injury-prone stars in the league.

With Philadelphia set to deal Kevin Kolb to the highest bidder, the threat of Vick suffering injury is a major concern, not to mention that of his favorite targets as well.

DeSean Jackson always looks one big hit away from never getting up, has missed time due to various injuries and LeSean McCoy also has issues staying healthy.

For the Eagles, durability and consistency go hand-in-hand and their success is tied to how long this team can stay healthy.

Impact Rookies: Danny Watkins and Curtis Marsh

 Watkins is obviously far from flashy, but the Baylor lineman has the potential to be an immediate starter in the NFL. I don't view him as a tackle, am not sure if the Eagles are going to try him on the blindside or not, but he's got the skills to be an elite guard in this league. It won't show on the stat sheet or the highlight reel, but if Vick is dropping back and getting more time he'll be a big reason why.

As for Marsh, he's a perfect fit at cornerback for this football team. He loves to get physical on the line, plays the football well and can come in, at the very least, and excel as a nickel to start the season before eventually taking over on the outside opposite Asante Samuel. If they nab a corner in free agency than he'll make the entire unit better—a unit that gave up over 30 touchdowns last season.

Playoff Odds: Wild Card Spot 

 History indicates that being the favorite to win the NFC East doesn't always bode well for that team, and the Eagles, last year's winner, have three things working against them to repeat.

Dallas isn't back to power in my mind, but they can't be counted out, and the Giants have a ton of issues to work out this offseason.

That said, if the Giants find the right combination they definitely have the all-around talent to unseat the Eagles and the defensive line to make life miserable for Vick.

The Eagles have an incredibly favorable home schedule though, and the only imposing trip other than to New York or Dallas is south to Atlanta.

At home they'll see the Bears, Patriots and Jets, but all and all we're talking about six-to-seven losses at most—assuming Vick stays healthy.

Philadelphia won't repeat as division champs, but they'll make the postseason with a likely 10-6 or 11-5 record.

You can follow   Wes O'Donnell on Twitter.