2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

2. Dallas Cowboys, 4.30 nERD

The Dallas Cowboys couldn't have been much more different in 2016 than they were the year prior. In 2015, their nERD of -6.01 ranked 27th; in 2016, their 6.11 was 3rd. That 12.12-point swing was the biggest improvement in football.

The rushing offense did grade out as the best in the NFL, but before you laud Ezekiel Elliott, know that they were ninth in Adjusted Rushing NEP per play without him in 2015. The real change was the passing offense, which ranked 4th, after sitting 30th in 2015.

Dak Prescott's 0.29 Passing NEP per drop back ranked third in the NFL, as did his 53.72% Success Rate. As a rookie -- a fourth-round rookie.

The defense did improve marginally but finished just 17th in Adjusted Defensive NEP per play in 2016 (they were 20th in 2015). Dallas spent seven of their nine draft picks on the defensive side of the ball, four of which were defensive backs.

With a possible suspension looming for Elliott and the 3rd-toughest schedule in terms of opposing defenses, the Cowboys could be a candidate to underachieve on the offensive side of the ball, but they do have the 20th-easiest schedule against opposing offenses.