The NFC East was the highest rated division in our final Divisional BES Rankings of 2016. It was the only division where all four teams spent at least one week among the BES Top-10 last season. It also featured two teams, the Cowboys (13-3) and Eagles (7-9), that enjoyed stays atop the BES at No. 1. That’s impressive considering rookie quarterbacks led both teams.

Here’s how the NFC East finished in our final Week 17 report of 2016:

HOW THEY FINISHED

Requisite Reads for Newcomers:

No team stood out offensively. However, the Cowboys and Giants (11-5) separated themselves defensively from the Eagles and Redskins (8-7-1). Understandably, the Redskins prioritized defense in free agency and the draft to upgrade a unit that ranked 29th in the BES. Meanwhile, the Giants and Eagles made demonstrative efforts to improve on offense.

NOTABLE PLAYER TRANSACTIONS

IMPACT ROOKIES

We’ve maintained that our data can provide a framework of how teams might approach the draft and address needs. Here are the rookies we feel will have the most impact on each team’s weakest area(s) in BES performance:

NFC EAST BALANCE OF POWER

The Redskins and Eagles both made decent moves but the jury is still out on their defenses. The Eagles success also hinges upon the progress of Carson Wentz. He needs to be much more consistent if they’re to have a realistic shot at the division crown. The Cowboys, meanwhile, suffered too many critical losses in free agency to envision them holding their perch atop the division.

Of note, the Giants swept the Cowboys last season and seem poised to do the same this year. They’ve added some formidable weapons to their passing game while keeping their stellar defense relatively intact. Overall, the Giants appear to be the most complete team in the division thus making them the favorite to win the NFC East in 2017.