NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
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13. Washington, 1.36 nERD

Washington built on a 14th-place nERD finish (1.38) in 2015 to get to 10th (1.90) in 2016. They turned that into just an 8-7-1 finish and a point differential of +13, however.

The offense ranked sixth overall, fifth via the pass, and eighth via the rush in 2016, according to NEP. Kirk Cousins matched his stellar 0.24 Passing NEP per drop back mark from 2015 while building on his Success Rate (51.49% to 53.10%).

But with the 26th-ranked defense in 2016 (24th against the rush and the pass), Washington just couldn't get ahead in a difficult NFC East. They happen to draw the seventh-toughest schedule in the league and the toughest in the division again, which is absolutely unfortunate.

They did, however, add defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, a top-five pick until his shoulder issue cause a draft-day slide, 17th overall, linebacker Ryan Anderson 49th, and cornerback Fabian Moreau 81st.

Perhaps this is the year they put it all together.

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