NFL Predictions 2011: 5 Bold Predictions for the Dallas Cowboys Season

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2011-2012 season in odd fashion: very little media hype, a new coach, a quiet owner and an emphasis on defense. These ingredients all lead to a Cowboys team that was self-described by DeMarcus Ware recently as "underestimated, but not underrated." Enough of that, D-Ware, here are five bold predictions for the 'Boys as they kick off the season this Sunday.

A quick sneak peak:

- It takes eight games for Rob Ryan, DeMarcus Ware and the defense to become dominant.

- Tony Romo becomes the best quarterback not named Brady, Rodgers, Brees or Manning.

- Dez Bryant shuts out the doubters with an electrifying year as a Top 10 receiver.

- The kicking game costs Dallas two games this year.

- Final predictions for overall record, division placement and playoff success.

It Takes 8 Games for Rex Ryan, DeMarcus Ware and the Defense to Become Dominant

A new defensive scheme, a shortened offseason and a banged-up secondary all spell disaster for the Cowboys over the first two months of the season. While Rob Ryan has the 'Boys mentally sharp and prepared for Mark Sanchez, Tom Brady and Michael Vick, the schemes and formations will be a work in progress.

Look for a rocky start but a superb finish.

Tony Romo Becomes the Best QB Not Named Brady, Rodgers, Brees or Manning

As soon as Jason Garrett took over play-calling duties last season, he helped Jon Kitna and Felix Jones remind Cowboys fans of a certain superstar quarterback/running back tandem.

Now that Garrett has Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and Jones, the playbook has no off-limit plays. Romo is blessed with a unique set of playmakers and a mental clock that keeps him upright and away from ensuing defenders.

Dez Bryant Shuts out the Doubters with an Electrifying Year as a Top 10 Receiver

Diva. Supremely talented. Immature. The next superstar is No. 88.

We have heard it all with Dez Bryant.

Numbers do not lie, especially not in the NFL. In the 12 games he played last year, he had 561 receiving yards along with six touchdown catches, and two touchdowns on punt returns. Of his touchdown catches, none came from Tony Romo.

Jason Garrett has played with a diva (Michael Irvin) and has coached a diva (Terrell Owens), and he remains confident that Bryant is still the most gifted receiver he has ever seen. Most importantly, with a solid group of playmakers around him, Bryant will give the defense fits all season and pose a matchup problem week in and week out.

The Kicking Game with Bailey And/or Buehler Costs Dallas 2 Games

Billy Cundiff (on the Cowboys from 2002-2005) had a perfect field goal percentage for the Ravens in the playoffs last year. Shaun Suisham (2005-2006) had a near-perfect field goal percentage for the Steelers in the playoffs last year. Mike Vanderjagt (2006-2007) had the highest field goal percentage in NFL history. Nick Folk (2007-2009) had a near-perfect field goal percentage for the Jets in the playoffs last year.

Three of the four final AFC playoff teams last year had former Cowboys kickers on their starting roster.  What about the Cowboys?

That leaves Dallas with David Buehler and/or Dan Bailey. The last four games this season (Giants, at Tampa, Philly, at Giants) will come down to the end. Buehler/Bailey will be responsible for at least two losses this season due to poor field goal kicking.

Prediction: A 10-6 Record, a Wild Card Win and a Divisional Loss to the Packers

Jason Garrett has brought a new culture of accountability, dependability and teamwork to the Dallas Cowboys this year. See: Is This a New Era for America's Team?

With home wins against division rivals and a late stretch of wins in a brutal December, Dallas places second in the NFC East, behind Philly, with a 10-6 record. They go on to beat the Falcons in the Wild Card game but eventually lose to the defending Super Bowl champs in Lambeau Field.

With a new defense and a rookie-filled offensive line, Garrett, Tony Romo and the 'Boys have a successful season.