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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: 1/2/2010
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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The Cards took care of business against the Rams, prevailing 31-10. The Cards offense dominated, gaining 407 yards to 238 for the Rams. However, Arizona's rush offense was a little disappointing against the porous Rams rush defense, although Wells and Hightower each had a TD. Warner had his 99th and 100th TD's against his old team, making him just the second QB to have 100 TD passes for 2 different teams (Tarkenton). Overall, a solid performance.
This Week:
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The Packers come to the desert for a game that may have significant playoff implications, or none at all. Simply put, if the Vikings beat the Giants earlier in the day, the Cards won't have anything to play for. They will face the Packers next week in the first round of the playoffs and the Cards have said that they won't play their starter much if that happens. If the Giants beat the Vikings, however, the Cards would have a shot at the #2 seed and much to play for. They would get the #2 seed with a win and if Dallas could also beat Philly. If the Packers win, they will play the Cards in the first round, period. So the Pack really doesn't have much to play for. The Pack does present the NFC's #1 defense, ranking 1st in the NFL in rush defense and 10th in pass defense. In the third preseason game, the Packers offense manhandled the Cards defense in a rout. For fantasy players, this game is a moving target. So what's the answer? Play your Cards and cheer for the Giants.
Rumors:
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If they beat the Pack, the Cards will have their best record since coming to Arizona. Of the eight possible playoff scenarios involving the NFC West champion Cardinals, six include them having to turn around and face the Packers again at home in the NFC wild-card round.
Should that be the case, the Cardinals probably would save some of their best game-planning for a rematch, and they might even consider resting some regulars, including Warner.
Receiver Larry Fitzgerald, strong safety Adrian Wilson and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett each were named Pro Bowl starters for the NFC squad, while cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was selected as a reserve.
Quarterback Kurt Warner, free safety Antrel Rolle, punter Ben Graham, kicker Neil Rackers, special teams player Sean Morey and right tackle Levi Brown were named as alternates.
Injuries:
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Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS:Kurt Warner (24-38, 313 yards, 2 TDs) has 15 TDs and just 3 INTs over his last seven games. The Pack rank 9th in sacks, so Warner should be under some pressure if he plays much. Look for Warner to pass for 280 yards and 2 TD's if the Giants beat the Vikings. Otherwise he will pass for 1 TD then be taken out.
RUNNING BACKS: If the Vikings prevail, look for a vanilla offense from the Cards with runs and short passes. This will make it difficult for Wells and Hightower against the Packers #1 rush defense. Look for 1 rushing TD, but not much yardage from Wells or Hightower.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Fitz has 12 TD's and would set a career high in scoring with one this week. Look for him to get 1 TD. Boldin has led the Cardinals in receptions the past three weeks and needs 14 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Boldin could have a big day, provided the Cardinals have something for which to play. If they don't, Boldin will spend a lot of time on the sidelines, but he will get his 1000 yards and 1 TD.
TIGHT ENDS: Patrick is getting a couple of catches a week and may be a target in the red zone. Still, I hope you don't have to play a Cards TE.
PLACE KICKER: Rackers returns to his kicking duties, but Nugent is being kept on the roster just in case. Rackers was named to the pro bowl as an alternate. Expect 2 FG and 3 XP's.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Packers mauled the Cards starting defense in the 3rd preseason game. Still, with little to play for, the Pack might play it close to the vest so as not to reveal itself before the playoffs. It might not be a bad week to play the Cards D.
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| St. Louis Rams |
By: Open Position
Updated: 12/18/2009
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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The worst showing of the year for a team that is 1-12 is the only way to describe the debacle that was the Rams and Titans game. Chris Johnson was huge both as a receiver and as a runner. Vince was also on his way to a big game before leaving with an injury. Offensively Steven Jackson had his worst game of the year gaining only 39 yards on 18 carries. The passing game was hampered by the 5 picks thrown by rookie Kieth Null.
This Week:
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What has the potential to be another another blow by the hands of an AFC south team for the 2nd week in the row, the rams host the Texans. Fortunately the Texans ground game has been nonexistent this year and can concentrate on the Houston's air attack. Unfortunately that means shutting down Matt Schuab and Andre Johnson.
The Rams hang tough but fall short in the end: 24-14
Rumors:
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Injuries:
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The entire team was sent home with due to a swine flu scare. 5 to 6 players were confirmed to have it with several others were reported ill. No names were given.
Kyle Boller QB Illness Did Not Participate In Practice
Jason Brown C Illness Did Not Participate In Practice
Steven Jackson RB Back Did Not Participate In Practice
Leonard Little DE Knee Did Not Participate In Practice
Jason Smith T Concussion Did Not Participate In Practice
K.C. Asiodu LB Abdomen Limited Participation in Practice
Paris Lenon LB Hip Limited Participation in Practice
LaJuan Ramsey DT Wrist Limited Participation in Practice
David Vobora LB Knee Limited Participation in Practice
Marc Bulger QB Knee Out (Definitely Will Not Play) --
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS:
Kyle Boller: Not sure if he starts the game so not worth the risk.
Prediction: 200 Yards, 2 Int. Nothing but trouble here. Go else where
Keith Null: Has taken all the practice reps so far this week
Prediction: 200 Yards, 3 Int. Stay away.
Running Backs:
Steven Jackson: Several O-line men has me worried for this week. With that sad no way you can bench him.
Prediction: 75 RuYards and 10 Rec Yards 1 Tds. He should be good to go, but temper your expectations.
Sam Gado: & Kenneth DarbyIf Jackson doesn't play it is unclear who gets the majority of carries.
Receivers:
Honestly your guess is as good as mine.
Donnie Avery 3 Receptions 20 Yards 1.His shoulder is gimpy and no word yet if he will play.
Brandon Gibson 4 Rec. 50 Yards.
Tight Ends:
Randy McMichael
3 Receptions 35 Yards. Hard to predict which TE if any gets any play.
Daniel Falls
See above.
Kicker:
Josh Brown-A couple of 1 XPs and 1 FG.
Defense:
Chris Johnson-Need I say more.
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| San Francisco 49ers |
By: Greg Lee
Updated: 1/2/2010
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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The Niners demolished the (still) woeful Detroit Lions 20-6. The lopsided victory was more of a coming out party for new kicker Ricky Schmitt, who was signed earlier last week to replace the injured Joe Nedney. Schmitt’s two field goals and two extra-points accounted for almost half of San Francisco’s scoring. Of course, don’t bother looking for him on the waiver wire as Schmitt (questionable) has a left groin injury and SF signed Shane Andrus this week. Coach Singletary has already announced that Andrus will start Sunday.
This Week:
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The Niners roll into St. Louis to take on the worst team (1-14) in the NFL. Despite being eliminated from the playoffs, many of the key San Francisco players still have more than pride to play for. Alex Smith still needs to put a bow on his “best” season, Michael Crabtree needs as much time on the field as possible after his extended hold-out and Pro Bowl-bound Vernon Davis can break Antonio Gates TE TD record with on score on Sunday. And if the team means anything (right), the 7-8 Niners can break a streak of six losing seasons with a win.
Rumors:
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Ks Joe Nedney & Ricky Schmitt (we hardly knew ya’) are out, most likely.
Injuries:
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Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS:
Smith should feast on the Rams, who are playing for their final paycheck and not much else. Don’t expect him to be pulled early unless the game gets completely out of hand.
Last week’s Results: 230 yards, 1 TD
This week’s Prediction: 275 yards, 3TD, 1 INT
RUNNING BACKS:
Gore’s rough season may come to a short end on Sunday if the Niners load up on points early against the Rams. Glenn Coffee is listed as probable this week and Michael Robinson is a more than capable (against the Rams) back-up. Even if Gore (inexplicably) plays the entire game, with his overall performance this season, if he is your featured back, your Fantasy Team (like mine) probably isn’t playing this week.
Last week’s Results: 71 yards rushing, 81 receiving, 1 TD, 1 FMB
This week’s Prediction: 100 yards rushing, 75 receiving, 2 TD
WIDE RECEIVERS:
As has been the case for most of the season, last week a non-WR led the Niners in receiving last week (Gore, 4 catches, 81 yards). Crabtree is developing into a key weapon, but there just wasn’t enough time in the season for his emergence. Don’t be too down on Crabtree though, even if he had been out there with Hill, there’s no telling whether or not that would have been good or bad. Sure, he may have given Hill a strong short drop-off, which he could have converted YAC, but we’ll never know.
Last week’s Results: (Crabtree): 4 catches, 68 yards
This week’s Prediction: (Crabtree) 75 yards passing, 1 TD
TIGHT ENDS:
Unless the world turns on its side in the next few days, Vernon Davis will get a TD catch against the Rams. You can almost bank on it.
Last week’s Results: 18 yards, 1 TD
This week’s Prediction: 50 yards, 1 TD
PLACE KICKER:
The Niners start their third kicker in (the last) three weeks (of the season). Shane Andrus draws the short straw this week. If you need a kicker at this point in the fantasy season, go somewhere else. Expect the Niners to put up more TDs than FGs and probably not more than three or four, so the kicking game (fantasy wise) will be an academic exercise.
Last week Andrus was probably sitting on his couch watching his own Fantasy Team.
This week’s Prediction: 1 FG, 3 extra points
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
If you’ve been carrying the team or want to take a chance on a new Defense in your championship game, pick up the Niners’ D. Okay, they haven’t put up two solid defensive performances in a row, you have to like their odds against the Lions-Rams back-to-back. All season the Niners’ D has teased Fantasy owners with flashes of brilliance followed by 20+ sloppy games. Even without Nate Clements (out), this defense should be playing for a .500 (season) record for Singletary.
Last week’s Results: 6 points, 6 f’#&$’n’ turnovers
Next week’s Prediction: 10 points, 5 turnovers
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| Seattle Seahawks |
By: Open Position
Updated: 12/23/2009
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 - 7, Buccaneers - 24: The Seahawks took a step in the right direction, losing by 10 fewer points this week. Josh Freeman bounced back after throwing an interception to lead the Buccaneers to a dominant second half.
This Week:
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Seahawks – 3, Packers – 27: Matt Hasselbeck may try to calm down and lower his teams turnover count, but the Packer’s have an opportunistic defense that should be able to keep the ball in the Packer’s hands. The Seahawks defense didn’t look like it could contain the Buccaneers, and their banged up secondary will struggle against the Packer’s high powered pass attack.
Rumors:
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Mike Holmgren isn’t coming back to the Seahawks organization and that might bring an already demoralized club down a little bit. The Seahawks have two tough games ahead of them and a win in either one could put a positive cap on the end of less than stellar season.
Injuries:
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Both Curry and Jones are listed as questionable. Curry left the game on Sunday with a stinger and Jones has a bruised rib but played through it.
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: Matt Hasselbeck had just one touchdown and threw four interceptions and had a lost fumble. A five turnover quarterback is never good for a ball club, but Hasselbeck didn’t have much help from his receivers. Look for him to attempt safer play against the Packers, but he’s going to have to be extra careful to minimize his turnovers.Projection: 187 yards 0 TDs 2 INTs.
RUNNING BACKS: Justin Forsett was second in rushing last week but had more yards per carry and is looking much more explosive than Julius Jones. With the Packer’s secondary being one of the better in the league, the Seahawks should see and increase in rushing attempts.
Projection: Forsett - 70 total yards, 0 TD; Jones - 50 yards, 0 TD.
WIDE RECEIVERS: The Seahawks receivers had decent stats from week 15, but with Hasselbeck having throwing the ball forty six times, some of the balls have to be caught eventually. The Packer’s secondary is having a much better year for than the Seahawks receivers, but Pittsburgh showed that they can be broken.
Projection: Butler - 5 catches for 40 yards and 0 TDs. Houshmanzadah – 8 catches for 50 yards 0 TD.
TIGHT ENDS: John Carlson Carlson was Hasselbeck’s favorite target last week and the Packers have struggled against good productive tight ends in the past few weeks, look for him to have a big game and likely lead the Seahawks in receiving for the second week in a row.
Projection: 10 catches for 90 yards, 0 TD.
PLACE KICKER: The Seahawks picked up a new long snapper after having to sub in a wide receiver last week, but it’s going to be tough to put the ball in scoring position.
Projection: 1 FGs and 0 XP
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The defense improved since the game against the Texans, but it’s hard to argue that the Bucs are a good team. The Packers have been putting up strong numbers the last few weeks and should be fuming after a last second loss to Pittsburgh.
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