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| NFC East-Insights Intelligence |
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NFC East - Insights Intelligence |
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AFC Intelligence Reports |
NFC Intelligence Reports |
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AFC East - BUF, MIA, NEP, NYJ
AFC South - HOU, IND, JAX, TEN
AFC North - BAL, CIN, CLE, PIT
AFC West - DEN, KAN, OAK, SD |
NFC East - DAL, NYG, PHI, WAS
NFC South - ATL, CAR, NO, TB
NFC North - CHI, DET, GB, MIN
NFC West - ARZ, STL, SF, SEA |
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Insights Intelligence is a free product of Fantasy Insights. Our writers submit their reports on a voluntary basis each week and, although we strive to post updated reports for every team each week, reports may not always get updated before the Thursday deadline.
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| Dallas Cowboys |
By: Scott Dundon
Updated: 12/23/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the Dallas Cowboys Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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The Cowboys failed to put a win on the board in their final game at Texas Stadium, falling to the Ravens, 33-24. There wasn't a lot of offense for either team until the fourth quarter. The Dallas passing game came to life and the Cowboys rallied, only to see the Ravens break long TD runs on back-to-back plays from scrimmage and effectively kill the comeback attempt. Tony Romo wound up with a good stat line, so he didn't ruin his fantasy teams even if he didn't exactly light up the Ravens. Marion Barber was active, but saw very limited action, so it was Tashard Choice who got most of the carries. Terrell Owens and Jason Witten were on the receiving ends of both of Romo's TD scores.
This Week:
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Week 17: at Philadelphia
By virtue of all of the outcomes of Week 16 games, Dallas actually caught some breaks and still has control of their own playoff destiny. Win at Philadelphia and they are in. Lose and they are out. While the Cowboys are certainly disappointed and frustrated with their game against the Ravens, the Eagles are in a similar spot after having faltered at Washington last week. If weather is not a factor, then the Cowboys will have to make some plays with the passing game against the aggressive Eagles' blitzing defense. Terrell Owens would certainly love to have a big game against one of his former teams, but can Romo get him the ball? Jason Witten is banged up again, but is expected to play and would definitely be a target. Tashard Choice is likely the better play among the Dallas running backs, and he will be busy running, catching, and blocking. Marion Barber will play, but unless he shows more than he did last week, he probably won't get more than a few carries. On defense, the Cowboys had been pretty good against the run before imploding last week. Every Eagles opponent must key on Brian Westbrook and hope that Donovan McNabb makes some mistakes. The earlier meeting between these two was a shootout, so it's possible that there will be some points in this one, too. It's basically a playoff game for both teams, so homefield advantage should tilt this one in Philly's favor. The Cowboys have a lot of December demons to slay, so a win here would be huge. It's possible.
Rumors:
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A loss ends the season for the Cowboys. Would it also mean the end of Wade Phillips' coaching tenure in Dallas? He has a good regular season record, but expectations were too high with the talent on this roster to retain him if the team misses the postseason. What about Jason Garrett? The unofficial coach in waiting has seen his star fade in recent weeks, so it's not a given that he would be handed the keys if Phillips is shown the door.
Injuries:
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Marion Barber played, but not much. Unfortunately, he can't be counted on for anyone still playing fantasy football this week.
Jason Witten can add a knee sprain to his laundry list of injuries. He is questionable right now, so be prepared to start someone else in case he can't go.
Position Analysis:
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NOTE: I am not good at predicting stats, but I'll give it a shot.
QUARTERBACKS:
Tony Romo remains a good start in spite of the matchup, as he seems to find a way to get to 250 yards and 2 TD's every game. In this key matchup, his mobility will be important, and he will make some big plays. The question will be how many bad plays he makes, and a couple of turnovers are very possible.
RUNNING BACKS:
Tashard Choice has looked good getting most of the work while Marion Barber is hurting. If you have to start a Cowboy running back this week, Choice is the better option. One extra day of rest won't make a big difference for Marion Barber's toe. Choice, 75 yards, 1 TD. Barber, 25 yards.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Could this be T.O.'s last game as a Cowboy? If so, it's hard to fault him for his on-field performance in Dallas. Other than some drops, he showed up pretty much every week and produced when put in the right position. He is worth starting here, as he is still a big-game player and would obviously be motivated to score here. Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton share whatever chances they get, and neither has fantasy value this week. Owens, 75 yards, 1 TD. Williams/Crayton, 75 yards.
TIGHT ENDS:
Keep an eye on Jason Witten's status this week. If he plays, he can be started in fantasy lineups as Romo will look his way. Martellus Bennett is a risky start, but might catch a TD if Witten is out. Witten, 50 yards, 1 TD.
PLACE KICKER:
About the only consideration for fantasy kicker this time of the year is the weather, so if it's decent in Philadelphia, Folk is a good option.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
Still hard to explain what happened down the stretch last week. Dallas used run blitzes only to see Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain explode right up the middle for long TD's. Nobody can stop Brian Westbrook, but the Cowboys can keep him in check if they find their form of the two games prior to last week. The Eagles' receivers don't cause too many problems, other than DeSean Jackson. Hopefully for his fantasy owners (and McNabb's), Jackson will remember to cross the goal-line before flipping the ball away. SIDE NOTE: That one play wound up winning me my fantasy league this year ...
Special teams made and gave up big plays in the previous meeting between these two. So expect the unexpected here.
Good luck to end the season and happy holidays!
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New York Giants |
By: Wayne Brinster
Updated: 12/24/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the New York Giants Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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The Giants returned to their winning ways in defeating the Panthers 34-28 in Overtime. Derrick Ward was the star rushing for over 200 yds on the day. Jacobs added 87 yards and 3 TDs. The Giants earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
This Week:
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The G-Men wrap up the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings. While the Giants don't have anything to play for, the Vikings are still fighting for their division. It is unclear how long the Giant starters will play, but you can expect an early exit for most.
OFFENSE
Eli Manning played well last week, but won't put up good numbers this week. I expect he will be taken out of the game, so you should look elsewhere if you need solid QB numbers.
DEFENSE
The defense will also take the opportunity to rest some starters.
KICKERS
John Carney should get a couple of opportunities in this game.
Rumors:
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None of fantasy value.
Injuries:
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RB - Brandon Jacobs - knee - limited in practice
TE - Kevin Boss - ankle/concussion - has not practiced
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS:
Eli Manning will most likely be taken out of the game, preventing any injury. The game doesn't really mean much to the Giants, so they probably won't risk and of their starters for very long.
RUNNING BACKS:
Brandon Jacobs may not play at all in this game. It would be best for the Giants to rest him for 2 weeks. Derrick Ward had a great game last week, and I expect the Giants won't use him much this week. Expect Ahmad Bradshaw will get some work. Don't start any RB if you are still playing in your fantasy league.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
The same situation exists for the Giant wide receivers. While Hixon, Smith and Toomer should see some action, I don't expect many yards or Tds.
TIGHT ENDS:
Kevin Boss has a concussion, so may not see much action. No other TE is consistent enough to start.
PLACE KICKER:
John Carney should get his usual 2-3 field goals in this game, but with the Giants not needing to win, they won't be pushing to get the ball in the red zone as often. Use at your own risk.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
Look elsewhere for a defense/special teams. With nothing to play for, substitutions could be plentiful in this game.
Go G-Men. Home Field throughout the playoffs!!!!
Wayne Brinster
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| Philadelphia Eagles |
By: Rick Shander
Updated: 12/25/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the Philadelphia Eagles Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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Like I told you, I had no faith in the Eagles this week. I thought there would be more scoring, but no, the birds couldn't even get into the endzone...especially Brown. The only Christmas present we can hope for now is to ruin the Cowgirls playoffs, but...step in the NFL and their bozo's.
This Week:
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Merry Christmas Eagle's fans, football fans, and all others. Guess what the NFL decided to do? With all the teams whose playoffs hopes playing at 1pm on Sunday, the NFL decided to switch the Eagles' game to 4:15. WHY? So that Dallas would know if they had to win or not, but in the meantime, the Eagles, approx 15 mins before kickoff, would also get the news that they were eliminated, and had nothing to play for. This stinks...the NFL obviously wants Dallas in the playoffs, so lets do all we can to get them in. This is why I hope the birds clean their clock good. Shove it right up the NFL's you know what. I hope its a 55-3 blowout. It won't be, but lets hope for a win.
Rumors:
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Injuries:
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Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS:
Even though dallas will know its future at gametime, I hope the Birds get up for this game and don't lay an egg in front of the home crowd. It'll be cold, and getting colder at 4:15. McChoke should have an average day...225 yards and 2 TD's. Is this the last of Ried and McNabb? I hope. But I hope its the last of the cowgirls.
RUNNING BACKS:
Hopefully Westy runs the ball 40 times. Why do I suspect he won't. I have to think, with all the venom spewed this week over the airwaves of Philly at Ried he has to run run run. My guess...30 carries, 100 yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 2 TD's. Its fun to wish huh!?
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Who knows with these guys? We should have the full set back this week, so all our #2 and #3 guys will be available (What, no #1? Not since TO). I think Jackson is the best play, but I think Brown or Baskett gets the TD.
TIGHT ENDS
Ugg...is this season over yet?
PLACE KICKER:
He could get plenty of tries...worth the start...
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
They have played well all year, and if there is a team the cowgirls do not want to face, its the Eagles with their secondary. It will be tough with Roy Williams, Witten, and TO. But it can be done. They should hold dallas to under 30 heheh
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| Washington Redskins |
By: Open Position
Updated: 12/25/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the Washington Redskins Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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Redskins - 10, Philly - 3: Talk about a game of inches!!! The Redskin defense tackled Eagles WR, Reggie Brown, on the six-inch line to keep him out of the end zone for the tying touchdown with 5 seconds left in the game. Only Clinton Portis and the Redskins' D were fantasy factors for the game. It was one of those great "team" wins where everyone contributed something, but that usually spells disaster for fantasy owners.
This Week:
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Washington travels to San Francisco to take on the 49ers on Sunday afternoon.
Rumors:
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Nothing that will affect your fantasy team.
Injuries:
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Nothing that should affect your fantasy team at this point.
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: If Jim Zorn returns as coach next year, Jason Campbell will be a terrific sleeper pick for fantasy QBs. I wouldn't trust him to bring me home a fantasy championship THIS week, however.
RUNNING BACKS: It looks like it'll be OK to play Portis this week. The 'Skins have nothing to play for next week, and you can bet that Zorn will run Portis to death to get a victory if he has to do it. No other Redskin back is worth starting.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Santana Moss is the only Redskin WR worth starting. Avoid the others.
TIGHT ENDS: Chris Cooley will be instrumental in this weeks' offensive game plan so play him if you have him.
PLACE KICKER: Shaun Suisham is like 15 other NFL kickers this week as he should get you 3-4 FG attempts and maybe a couple of XPs.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: There's a chance that Frank Gore won't play for the 49rs, so the Redskin D should be a decent start for your fantasy squad this week.
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