2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

3. Atlanta Falcons, 2.59 nERD

Last year's Super Bowl runners-up, the Atlanta Falcons will need to build on or maintain their best nERD season since 2000. Their 7.66 nERD in 2016 ranked second in the NFL, the offense was first, the passing offense was first, and the rushing offense was third. That's spicy.

Matt Ryan's 0.37 Passing NEP per drop back paced the league, as did his 54.64% Success Rate, and Julio Jones's diminished volume (129 targets) helped him to his most efficient season ever, per our metrics, in 2016.

Devonta Freeman showed us again that his rookie season (24.62% Rushing Success Rate on 65 carries) was a fluke and posted one of just 16 seasons in 2016 with a Rushing NEP per play of 0.10 or better with at least a 46% Success Rate over 225 carries or more.

The addition of Dontari Poe and return of Desmond Trufant should help the Falcons improve from 25th defensively, though they do draw the fourth-toughest schedule from an opposing offense standpoint (and ninth-toughest overall).

Simply put, this team doesn't look destined for a Super Bowl loser curse, as the roster is on par with what it was just a year ago -- if not better.