 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NFC East-Insights Intelligence |
|
NFC East - Insights Intelligence |
|
AFC Intelligence Reports |
NFC Intelligence Reports |
|
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 |
|
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 Friday deadline.
|
| Dallas Cowboys |
By: Scott Dundon
Updated: 12/30/2007
Please access our Premium Products for the Dallas Cowboys Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
---------------------------
The Cowboys survived a tough game with the Panthers, winning 20-13, but losing Terrell Owens in the process. Tony Romo's thumb did not seem to give him any trouble, and he had a decent game. Marion Barber was very good, with a TD and over 100 yards rushing. Owens did catch a TD pass before going out with a sprained ankle in the second quarter. Then, on Sunday, the Bears did Dallas a big favor, beating Green Bay to hand the Cowboys the #1 seed throughout the NFC playoffs.
This Week:
---------------------------
Week Seventeen: at Washington
If your fantasy season is still going on this week, then you may need to turn away from the Cowboys for help. Dallas has little to play for, while the Redskins must win to get in the postseason. T.O. is out, and there is certainly a strong likelihood that Romo, Barber, Witten, and Crayton could be limited. Dallas has not made it known exactly what their plan is yet, but be very careful using any Cowboys this week.
Rumors:
---------------------------
After a week of dealing with "Minx Jinx" and injured thumb questions, Tony Romo did enough to quiet those questions. Now he just needs to prepare to lead Dallas through a deep playoff run.
Injuries:
---------------------------
UPDATED 12/30:
OUT for Dallas in Week 17:
Terrell Owens, Andre Gurode, Terance Newman, Patrick Watkins, and Jay Ratliff.
Terry Glenn will likely see some action, but would be a huge flyer for a fantasy lineup.
Tank Johnson starts for Ratliff and will see a lot of playing time.
Dallas will not say if/when they will pull any starters, but expect to see a lot of Brad Johnson for Romo, a lot of Tyson Thompson for Jones/Barber, a lot of Sam Hurd/Miles Austin at wide receiver, and a lot of Anthony Fasano/Tony Curtis for Jason Witten.
Bottom line: Don't count on much from any Cowboys this week.
Position Analysis:
---------------------------
QUARTERBACKS:
Still no official word from the Cowboys regarding this week's strategy. More than likely, Tony Romo will start but not play much, maybe a half. There's really no reason for Dallas to risk injury, and probably not a good fantasy QB. Brad Johnson would see his first action of the season, but, with a watered-down game plan, it's not advisable to use him, either.
RUNNING BACKS:
Even though he's not the starter, Marion Barber is the more valuable back, so he is the one that Dallas would rest. Julius Jones might get a few extra carries, or Dallas could activate Tyson Thompson. Can't recommend anyone from this group, either.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
T.O. is definitely out. Patrick Crayton will probably be pulled early. That does leave the door open for Terry Glenn to see his first action of the season and play a lot. But that doesn't make him an a good fantasy start. Sam Hurd and Miles Austin would have slightly more value, but none of these receivers will warrant a fantasy start.
TIGHT ENDS:
Another player that Dallas should protect is Jason Witten. That means Anthony Fasano and Tony Curtis will play more. So, once again, no fantasy recommendations this week.
PLACE KICKER:
Nick Folk will still be available, but with an offense that might be very pedestrian, don't expect a lot from Folk this week.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
While most of the key offensive players can get rest, the defense won't have that luxury. Terance Newman might get to sit, as could Jay Ratliff, but, otherwise, the defense should be intact. Roy Williams will be back from his one-game suspension. The Washington offense is centered around Clinton Portis. He is playing very well right now, and the Redskins should be able to do enough to win this game and get into the postseason.
Good luck this week and happy holidays!
|
|
 |
|
New York Giants |
By: Wayne Brinster
Updated: 12/27/2007
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:
---------------------------
The Giants came up big in Buffalo last week, despite going down 14-0 in the 1st quarter. The defense settled down, and only allowed 7 more points in the following three quarters, and scoring themselves twice in the 4th quarter. The weather was really bad, and Eli's stats showed it. He only completed 7 passes, and had 2 interceptions. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw had monster games rushing for 294 yards and 3 TDs. Toomer came up big posting 99 yards. Eli finally looked more Toomer's way than Burress, and found him often.
This Week:
---------------------------
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
The Giants host the unbeaten New England Patriots this week. The defense will be looking to stop Moss and Brady who are both looking to put up at least 2 TDs for personal records. The Giants may opt to sit some defensive players in anticipation of next week's playoff game.
KICKERS
Tynes may get several opportunities this week against the Patriots. He is one player that won't be rested for this game.
OFFENSE
Eli probably won't play the whole game against the Patriots, especially if the Pats get ahead. With his recent fantasy stats they way they are, you won't be starting him anyway. Jacobs ran for 143 yards last week, and will see some action, but probably won't play the whole game. Burress may get some rest as well. Droughns may see some action, which he needs bad. He carried the ball 3x last week for -5 yards. I expect Bradshaw will see some action too.
Rumors:
---------------------------
Coughlin says the Giant starters will see action, but won't commit to how much playing time. Considering that his job is on the line, the worst thing to happen for him, would be to lose in the first round. I expect he will rest the starters in the second half, and let them heal for the Bucs next week.
Injuries:
---------------------------
Plaxico Burress..Ankle..limited in practice
Kevin Dockery..hip flexor..has not practiced
Sinorice Moss..Back..has not practiced
Ahmad Bradshaw..calf..has not practiced
Position Analysis:
---------------------------
QUARTERBACKS:
Eli struggled with the weather, and only completed 7 of 15 passes for 111 yards. He fumbled the ball a couple of times and threw 2 interceptions. With the Giants already locked into the 5th seed, they really have nothing to play for other than breaking the Patriots unbeaten season. Since Eli hasn't been putting up good numbers, you must have another option at QB...right?
Last week prediction...200-220, 1 TDs
Actual stats... 111 yards, 0 TD
RUNNING BACKS:
Brandon Jacobs had a monster game posting 143 yards and 2 scores. Since Jacobs is still nursing an injury, don't expect him to play the whole game. He should get some rushing yards in the 1st half, maybe gaining 50 yards. Ahmad Bradshaw should see some limited action. He has not practiced and will be a game time decision as of the time of this writing.
Last week prediction for Jacobs..90-100 yds.
Actual stats for Jacobs..143 yds rushing, 2 TDs
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Burress only caught 1 pass for 6 yards. The weather was again a major problem, and Burress was having trouble cutting and staying vertical. Amani Toomer came up big, catching 5 passes for 99 yards. Other than Jacobs catching one pass, no other receiver had any yards. Blame the weather for this one. Burress did practice on Wednesday, and should see some limited action on Saturday. Don't expect much. If the Giants fall behind to the undefeated Patriots, Burress will probably be rested for next week's playoff game. The same applies to Amani Toomer. Expect around 40 from Burress and 30 from Toomer.
Last week predictions-Burress..50-70yds
Actual stats-Burress..6 rain soaked/wind swept yds
Last week predictions-Toomer..40yds
Actual stats-Toomer..99yds
TIGHT ENDS:
This would be a great time to get Kevin Boss involved. He has seen limited action, and didn't catch a pass last week. With the playoffs approaching, someone needs to help out at tight end, with Jeremy Shockey obviously missing the playoffs.
PLACE KICKER:
Tynes made his only field goal attempt of 42 yards. He should see several opportunities this week.
Last week prediction - Tynes..2-3 field goals
Actual stats - Tynes..1 field goal
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
The defense didn't show up until the second quarter in this game, but when they did, they play outstanding. Two defensive scores iced the game for the Giants. While it will be difficult to top that this week, they hope to put up a battle against the Pats. They may rest players in the second half though, so use them cautiously.
This will be the last article on the Giants this year. I hope I was able to help you decide on which Giants were a good fantasy play each week.
Fantasy Aside.....Some good things came out of last week's game. The defense really stepped it up, and proved to themselves as well as us, that they can score. Jacobs is a solid running back for the playoffs. Bradshaw showed us some spark, and will be a good compliment to Jacobs. I liked the way Toomer got more catches, and took some of the pressure off the Eli-Burress combo. Going to Tampa to play might not be such a bad thing, as the Giants play very well on the road, winning 7 games, and only losing to Dallas. Eli had two bad weather games in a row, and will welcome the warm Florida weather. He MUST play better though, or the Giants won't go far in the playoffs. I think they would rather play the Bucs, than travel across country to play the Seahawks. It would be nice to beat the Patriots this week, but even if they don't, it should be a good matchup against Tampa the following week. GO G-MEN !
|
|
|
| Philadelphia Eagles |
By: Rick Shander
Updated: 12/27/2007
Please access our Premium Products for the Philadelphia Eagles Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
---------------------------
Hey, nice game, but I really am hoping they lose these games. There is NOTHING to play for, and we need the high draft pick to help the O. The D looks great, and even thouhg we will need some secondary help, I am confident they will find it this offseason with the high number of safety's that will be available. 38 points on the Saints...McNabb looked good, nice passes, crisp runs, he is looking much better from the ACL injury. I just don't have a good feeling that he is going to stay. Looks like Minnesota and Chicago both will be interested, amoung others. Looks like the Birds will finish 8-8, which will leave them at about the number 16-19 pick. Wish it were lower.
This Week:
---------------------------
Buffalo comes to town, and I don't think they are up for it. The Bills are looking to go home for the holidays, and the Birds will definately help them there. This Eagles D is too tough for the Bills, and will give them fits. Unfortunately the Birds will win this game. I am looking at the 31-10 range, or close to it. Look for Westbrook to have a good game, as well as 1 of the 2 receivers...I would bet on Curtis this week. I would like to see them go 8-8, but it means nothing. Take the loss, pick up a few picks. I would have rather liked 5-11, but oh well. Go Birds.
Rumors:
---------------------------
Injuries:
---------------------------
Position Analysis:
---------------------------
QUARTERBACKS:
McNabb looked really good last week, but I don't think he will be as good this week. Weather, cold, and last game of the year will all factor in. Will the backup play? I don't think so, but you never know. I look for McNabb to have 225 yards and 2 TD's.
RUNNING BACKS:
Westy should be on fire this week. I am looking for an "average" 150 yards, but add in 2 TD's. Should be no problem, just as long as they don't sit him.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
I think Curtis has the bigger day, but don't discount Brown either. Curtis should get a few deep throws, collect a TD and have a nice afternoon. Brown will get the dirty yardage, but shouldn't get a TD. Only one to the Wide outs.
TIGHT ENDS:
Celek may be a deep sleeper play for you, but thats deep.
PLACE KICKER:
Should get 2-3 scoring opps, and may miss 1 the way he's been going. A marginal start.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
I haven't predicted a TD for these guys all year, but I think this is the week I will. I just see these guys fighting for 8-8 and some respect, and they will have the Bills backed up all day. The D should have a nice big day...
|
|
|
| Washington Redskins |
By: Mark Hubbard
Updated: 12/20/2007
Please access our Premium Products for the Washington Redskins Team Capsule, Player Rankings/Statistics, Crystal Ball Projections, Fantasy Recommendations and much more.
Last Week:
---------------------------
The Redskins kept their playoff hopes alive with a 22-10 victory over the NY Giants last week.
This Week:
---------------------------
Washington travels to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in a Sunday night matchup.
Rumors:
---------------------------
None this week.
Injuries:
---------------------------
RB Clinton Portis and WR Santana Moss have both been affected by the stomach flu this week, but should be ready to go by kickoff time. S LaRon Landry has been bothered with a quad injury, but is expected to play.
Position Analysis:
---------------------------
QUARTERBACKS: Todd Collins will have to throw in this game, given the Vikings' tough run defense. However, the Vikings defense is known for their turnover causing ability and his lack of mobility may prove difficult in this one. I look for 175 yards and a TD from Collins this week, with a couple of turnovers.
RUNNING BACKS: Clinton Portis had a great fantasy playoff performance last week with 126 yards and a TD, but don't expect much against the Vikings' run defense. I don't see Portis getting much over 60 yards in this game.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Santana Moss is the only fantasy receiver worth starting, and look for 5-75 this week.
TIGHT ENDS: Chris Cooley continues to put up nice numbers this year and this week will be no exception. Expect 5-75-1 from the Redskins leading receiver.
PLACE KICKER: Shaun Suisham is just fine and should have a few FG opportunities this week. Start if you can.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Redskins will have to play solid run defense against the Vikings league-best rushing attack. Tarvaris Jackson is a mobile QB but has had trouble with the blitz. Expect some sack opportunities and turnover chances in this game for the Redskins.
The special teams continue to be decidedly unspectacular and I would not recommend them as a starting unit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
