2015 nERD: -6.01
2016 nERD: 6.11
Change: 12.12.

For the Dallas Cowboys, 2016 has to be considered a monumental win even though they were bounced by the Green Bay Packers after attaining the NFC's top overall seed.

But this season introduced the NFL to two outstanding offensive rookies: Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Along with that, the Cowboys posted the 14th-biggest increase in nERD since 2001. The offense ranked fourth in passing efficiency by NEP and first in rushing efficiency, becoming one of just 13 teams since 2000 to rank top four in both in a season.

Overall, the defense was average on a per-play basis, ranking 17th in Adjusted Defensive NEP (17th against the pass and 9th against the rush).

Like the Falcons, they didn't fulfill their Super Bowl hopes, but they made huge strides toward that goal in 2016. It's just unfortunate for them that four of the five most-improved teams are from the NFC.