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| NFC South-Insights Intelligence |
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NFC West - 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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| Arizona Cardinals |
By: Bob Lewis
Updated: 12/27/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the Arizona Cardinals Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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For the second consecutive week, and the third time all year, the Arizona Cardinals failed to put points on the board in the first half as they were embarrassed 47-7. The New England Patriots sent the Cardinals into the locker room down 31-0. For the second consecutive week, the Cardinals were dominated from start to finish on both sides of the ball. Arizona and was outgained 514-186 (78 of which came on 1 play) in total yardage and was limited to just 3-of-13 on third down conversions. New England held the ball for over 38 minutes and piled up 27 first downs as opposed to just 8 by the Cards. The Patriots scored on 9 of 10 their first 10 possessions. The Cardinals did play without Boldin and Arrington, two of their main offensive threats. Their presence likely wouldn't have mattered given the poor blocking, dropped passes, poor tackling and various other mistakes.
This Week:
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The Cardinals welcome the Seattle Seahawks in their final regular season game. Arizona has locked up the NFC West crown, but week 17’s game is a must-win game for the Cardinals if they hope to have any confidence going into the playoffs. Seattle has won two straight games, including an upset win over the New York Jets in Mike Holmgren’s final home game. Coach Whisenhunt has said that he will play his starters “within reason.” Seattle’s presents a defense ranked 22nd in points (23.9), 30th in yards (372.7), 32 in passing (253.5) and 20th in rushing (119.2).
Rumors:
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Losses to the Eagles, Vikings and now Patriots have deflated any confidence that the Cards may have had after winning the division. In those games, the Cards found themselves with huge early deficits – the combined halftime score of those games was 83-7. In their last three losses, the Cardinals have been outscored 130-41 and are averaging a mere 254 yards per game of total offense. The team’s only win in the past five weeks came in Week 14 against the 2-13 St. Louis Rams. Furthermore, Arizona dropped all five of its East Coast road trips this season. Along with the Denver Broncos, the Arizona Cardinals are the only division leader that has been outscored by their opponents.
Injuries:
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Anquan Boldin WR Shoulder Did Not Participate In Practice -- Travis LaBoy DE Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice -- Stephen Spach TE Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice -- Matt Ware S Calf Did Not Participate In Practice -- Ralph Brown CB Ribs Full Participation in Practice -- Roderick Hood CB Knee Full Participation in Practice -- Deuce Lutui G Knee Full Participation in Practice -- Sean Morey WR Shoulder Full Participation in Practice -- J.J. Arrington RB Knee Limited Participation in Practice -- Aaron Francisco S Ribs Limited Participation in Practice -- Kenny Iwebema DE Concussion Limited Participation in Practice -- Adrian Wilson S Toe Limited Participation in Practice --
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: The passing game has lost its spark of late. It could be because early large deficits have allowed defenses to pin their ears back and come after Kurt Warner. Warner took a pounding in New England. Thus, he wasn’t given much opportunity to get the ball to the appropriate targets due to dismal protection and had one of his worst games as a pro. New England held Warner to 6-of-18 passing for only 30 yards as he failed to throw a touchdown for the first time this year. Backup QB Matt Leinart saw action for the second consecutive game, relieving Warner for the majority of the second half. Leinart finished 6-of-14 for 138 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown to WR Larry Fitzgerald. Look for Warner to pass for 275 yards and 2 TD’s.
RUNNING BACKS:After losing his starting job to rookie Tim Hightower, Edgerrin James led the Cardinals on the ground with 18 yards on four carries. On 10 carries, Hightower produced 17 yards. However, Whisenhunt said James will not be getting more carries. RB J.J. Arrington is nursing a knee injury and didn't play against the Patriots. Arrington is a key part of the team's multi-receiver formations. Whisenhunt has said that it is likely that Arrington will play this week. Arizona is averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry and has a long run of just 30 yards this year. Hightower has been limited to 22 yards per contest over his last seven games. I expect Hightower to get 30 yards and 1 TD while Arrington gets 5 carries and 5 receptions.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Q Boldin suffered a shoulder injury against the Vikings two weeks ago and missed the Patriots game. Boldin should be available for the Seattle game in Week 17 and likely will play according to coach Ken Whisenhunt. Doucet had the opportunity to play because Anquan Boldin was inactive. He would finish with only two receptions (11 yards), but he got to show what he could do. Fitzgerald managed a good fantasy game (3-101 and 1 TD) by catching a 78 TD in garbage time. Breaston needs 80 yards for 1000 to give the team 3 1000 receivers. Look for Boldin to get 80 yards and 1 TD while Fitz goes for 60.
UPDATE: BOLDIN IS NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY AGAINST SEATTLE. GAME TIME DECISION.
TIGHT ENDS: TE Stephen Spach has emerged as the team's starter, even though he signed in late October. Spach is a solid blocker, which gives him the edge over Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick. Don’t play a Cards TE.
PLACE KICKER: Neil Rackers has made 19 of his last 20 field goals. His only miss came on an unusual 68-yard attempt on a fair-catch kick. Rackers is 23-26 on the year. Look for Rackers to get 2 FG’s and 3 XP’s.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: Breaston tied a franchise record with nine kickoff returns, a dubious accomplishment. The Cardinals’ defense has been ineffective for most of the second half of the season, allowing an average of 35 points per game over their last five games. In addition, Arizona’s secondary has given up 16 touchdowns through the air during that span. After compiling 23 sacks in their first 10 games, the Cardinals’ pass rush has been held in check. They’ve been unable to consistently rush the passer and have managed only seven sacks in their last five games.
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| St. Louis Rams |
By: Bob Lewis
Updated: 12/25/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the St. Louis Rams Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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For the second week in a row, the Rams were nipped at the wire, 17-16 to the 49ers. They led 16-3 in the fourth quarter, then collapsed on both sides of the football. That’s the Rams’ ninth loss in a row and their eighth straight in the NFL’s worst division. "You hate to say you saw it coming, but a season like this, we're finding ways to blow games and giving away our leads," Bulger said.
This Week:
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The Rams go to Atlanta, a team that has a chance to get the #2 seed in the NFC with a win and a Carolina loss. The Falcons bring their 5th ranked rush offense to meet a 28th ranked rush defense. Michael Turner will likely have a big game against the soft Rams run defense. The Falcons present a defense ranked 8th in points (19.9), 24th in yards (343.9), 22nd in passing (221.3) and 21st in rushing (122.5). Look for a 28-17 Falcons victory.
Rumors:
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By finding new ways to lose again the Rams took another big step toward their off-season overhaul. The No. 2 overall draft pick in the ’09 NFL will be their reward for consistent futility. Rams G.M. Jay Zygmunt and President John Shaw have resigned their employment and Bill Devaney has been made the GM. The Rams, who have now lost nine straight, have the longest losing streak for the team since the franchise moved to St. Louis in 1995. The Rams have been shockingly ineffective in the red zone. In 24 trips inside their opponents’ 20-yard line, they’ve produced just seven TDs. Next worst in the league is the Raiders, with 12. NFC West champ Arizona, the Giants and the Saints lead the NFL, with 35 red-zone touchdowns apiece.
Injuries:
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Jacob Bell G Hamstring Did Not Participate In Practice -- Fakhir Brown CB Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice -- Daniel Fells TE Knee Did Not Participate In Practice -- La'Roi Glover DT Knee Did Not Participate In Practice -- Eric Bassey CB Hamstring Limited Participation in Practice -- Steven Jackson RB Hamstring Limited Participation in Practice -- Joe Klopfenstein TE Knee Limited Participation in Practice -- Leonard Little DE Hamstring Limited Participation in Practice -- Dane Looker WR Hip Limited Participation in Practice --
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: Against SF, Marc Bulger was 19-36-227 with a 70.0 passer rating and had 1 TD. Bulger has been competent of late but hasn’t done anything great for fantasy players. I expect Bulger to again get around 220 yards and 1 TD.
RUNNING BACKS: Despite a hamstring problem, Steven Jackson pounded out 108 yards on a season-high 32 carries. Jackson often had little room to operate but was a force between the tackles. Backup Kenneth Darby got 10 touches — five carries for 15 yards and five receptions for 57 yards. If the Rams can stay close, look for Jackson to get numerous carries again, going 24-100+ yards and 1 TD.
WIDE RECEIVERSTorry Holt was somewhat effective against the Falcons, getting 55 yards on four catches. Avery also caught 5 for 56 yards. Rookie Keenan Burton scored his first NFL touchdown on his only reception. Look for more of the same from Holt and Avery with Holt getting 1 TD.
TIGHT ENDS: The TE’s caught only 2 passes (Fells, 1-12 and Klopfenstein 1-6). Don’t play a Rams TE.
PLACE KICKER: Josh Brown hit all 3 FG attempts against the Falcons and is now 29-34 for the year, ranking him #7 in FG’s made. Look for him to get 2 FG’s and 2 XP’s.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Rams defense goes into this last game ranked 31st in points (28.9), 29th in yards (368.9), 23rd in passing (221.4) and 28th in rushing (147.5). However, coach Haslett has pointed out that the
defense has given up 16, 17, 16 and 20 points in the last four games - all losses, of course. The Rams rank 21st in both KO return and punt return average.
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| San Francisco 49ers |
By: Greg Lee
Updated: 12/24/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the San Francisco 49ers Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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For much of the game, it looked like the Niners had taken the Rams too lightly. But Singletary stuck to his game plan, made adjustments where needed and backed his QB, even after three interceptions. The result, San Francisco left St. Louis with a 17-16 victory and were it not for some early scuffling (pre-Singletary) the Niners might be competing with the Cardinals for the weak NFC West. While Arizona has convincingly lost four of the last five, San Francisco has become increasingly competitive dominating the time of possession and winning three of the last five games. Too little too late for this season, but the late push makes a compelling argument for keeping Singletary on as head coach.
This Week:
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The 49ers wrap up their season at home against a Washington Redskins’ squad that has imploded over the last few weeks (1-7) – despite an impressive defensive performance in a 10-3 win over Philly this week. Under new head coach, Jim Zorn, even mid-season, the ‘Skins looked like they were playoff bound, but this week, they’ll be playing for pride or marking time before their winter vacations kick-off. At 8-7, in the more potent NFC East, Washington, on paper, should have the edge. However, Singletary has something to play for, and even if he were extended as permanent head coach before next Sunday, he has shown the grit to keep his squad on task regardless of his status. I predict a Niner victory at home.
Rumors:
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Injuries:
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F. Gore (RB) questionable; A. Snyder (G) day-to-day
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS:
If you were looking at a game to define Shaun Hill, his performance against the Rams might be the one. Sure, he had three interceptions against a bad (but admittedly fired-up) team, but he finished the game with over 200 yards passing, two touchdowns and led the team in rushing. Not bad for a quarterback, not known for being mobile. With the absence of Frank Gore and the slow to emerge offense (other than Issac Bruce), Hill put the team (offensively) on his back and led them to victory.
Last week’s Predictions: 300 yards, 1 touchdowns, 1 interception
Last week’s Result: 216 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interception and 45 yards rushing (really!)
This week’s Predictions: 200 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
RUNNING BACKS:
Forget Running Backs, this week’s leading rusher was Quarterback Shaun Hill, with 45 yards on four carries. Seriously though, with only 36 yards on 12 carries, DeShaun Foster isn’t impressing anyone. If Gore doesn’t come back next week (and why should he?), don’t bother looking at the Rushing section of the Niners’ box score next week.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Issac Bruce recorded his 1000 career reception in front of his longtime fans, who gave him the reception he deserved. With 61 yards and one TD, Bruce led the team in receiving again. Still, not much to back-up Bruce. You have to wonder what this offense might look like if they had a dependable back and one or two more actual receiving options. Maybe next year.
TIGHT ENDS:
Vernon Davis had his requisite catch this week, but otherwise was unremarkable-fantasywise.
Last week’s Predictions: 30 yards, one touchdown
Last week’s Result: 17 yards receiving and no touchdowns
This week’s Predictions: 30 yards and no touchdowns
PLACE KICKER:
In St. Louis, Nedney was perfect with two extra points and one field goal.
Last week’s Predictions: 2 Field goals and 2 extra points.
Last week’s Result: 1 Field goal and 2 extra points.
This week’s Predictions: 2 Field goals and 2 extra points. I’m going to stick with it until I’m right.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
I take it back, in addition to Issac Bruce, I might also consider starting the Niners defense this week. Seriously. The Rams have scored 20 or more points twice this season and have been held to 10 or less points four times (including three games in which they only scored three points). With Singletary’s ball-control offense and the emerging SF defense, the Defense might actually be the pick of the proverbial litter.
Last week’s Predictions: 6 points, 2 turnovers and a defensive/special teams scores.
Last week’s Result: 16 points and 1 turnover
This week’s Predictions: 24 points and two turnovers.
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| Seattle Seahawks |
By: Open Position
Updated: 12/25/2008
Please access our Premium Products for the Seattle Seahawks Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
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Seahawks - 13, Jets - 3: Well, you kinda thought that the Hawks might pull out a gritty win in Holmgren's last home game as coach, and they did. Maurice Morris was the only Hawk worth playing fantasy-wise, but the entire team played well.
This Week:
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The Seahawks travel to sunny Arizona to take on the reeling first-place Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. You know that the Seahawks would love to put another ugly loss on their rivals and send them to the playoffs with tons of bad karma.
Rumors:
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Nothing really to report that might affect your fantasy team.
Injuries:
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Hasselbeck is still out and Julius Jones is M.I.A. Other than that, there's nothing that should affect your fantasy team. Well, other than you shouldn't be in a league that determines its champion by playing in Week 17. That's just stupid, man!
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: Seneca Wallace takes very good care of the ball and the Cards play an all-out gambling kind of defense. If Wallace stays under control, he might be able to hit some big plays. Still, I wouldn't trust him as my starter on my fantasy team. Projection: 220 total yards, 1 touchdown.
RUNNING BACKS: Maurice Morris is the only Seattle RB worth starting and should be good for 100 total yards and a touchdown.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Take your pick on which Seattle WR will get the ball this week. It's such a crapshoot that I cannot honestly recommend any of them. Two weeks ago, Deion Branch got 8 passes for nearly 100 yards and last week, he got 2 for 6 yards. If you're still playing for something in your league, you cannot trust a Seattle receiver. Avoid them all.
TIGHT ENDS: John Carlson only got 12 yards last week, but he got the touchdown. At TE, he's been almost as hot as any TE not named Tony Gonzalez in the NFL, so start him with confidence if your league requires you to play a TE.
PLACE KICKER: Start Olindo Mare for your fantasy team as he should get at least 3-4 FG attempts and a couple of XPs. Kinda like last week.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Cardinal coaching staff has GOT TO get their team motivated and playing well before the playoffs and that means their starters could possibly play the whole game. It's too big of a risk to play the Seattle D this week.
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