2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition
11. New York Giants, 1.76 nERD
Last year, the New York Giants finished 11-5 after two straight 6-10 seasons. Their point differential of +26 was a marked improvement from the two prior seasons, but it wasn't indicative of an 11-win squad. For some added context, the two other 11-5 finishers (Atlanta and Pittsburgh) had point differentials of +134 and +72, respectively.
By nERD, the Giants (1.32) ranked 15th in the NFL. The offense was to blame.
New York ranked 26th in Adjusted NEP per play, 22nd in passing, and 27th in rushing. Eli Manning ranked 24th among 34 passers with at least 200 drop backs in Passing NEP per drop back (0.06). Other passers in the division were as good or better: Carson Wentz (0.06, 25th), Cousins (0.24, 6th), and Dak Prescott (0.29, 3rd).
Perhaps the addition of Brandon Marshall and growth of Sterling Shepard helps take some heat off of Odell Beckham.
On the defensive side of the ball, the G-Men jumped from 25th in the past two seasons to 2nd overall, 5th against the pass, and 3rd against the run.
With one of the best defenses in football, a middle-of-the-road schedule, and any improvement offensively, the Giants could flirt with double-digit wins again (and deserve it this time around).
