Training camp is quickly approaching and dynasty league owners are rejoicing. With many rookie drafts completed, the focus can finally shift to the camp battles that await us this Summer.
As with every season, there are many significant skill positions up for grabs across the landscape of the NFL. The winners of many of these positional battles will leave a lasting impression in dynasty leagues this season and beyond.
Failure to follow the early developments associated with these competitions could leave dynasty owners holding the bag in regards to suddenly diminishing player values. Proper recognition of their progress could uncover some preseason trade targets. After all, there’s really nothing better in a dynasty league than feeling like you’ve got the inside scoop and buying low on a player.
Here’s a quick analysis on 20 positional battles to monitor, along with a prediction on how they’ll each unfold. As always, we describe the level of impact they each have on dynasty leagues as well.
CAMP BATTLE #1
Position: Houston Texans No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Ben Tate, Steve Slaton, and Arian Foster
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: This is the most important camp battle in all of fantasy football right now. After drafting Tate, many owners in fantasy leagues completely dismissed Arian Foster. Fact is, it’s Foster’s job to lose at the moment. After dealing with a hamstring injury, Tate is falling behind early. This is likely the toughest one to call.
Prediction: Tate gets healthy and earns the early down work for the Texans, sending Foster back to being a reserve. Slaton earns third down duties at best.
CAMP BATTLE #2
Position: Dallas Cowboys No. 2 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Roy Willams, Dez Bryant
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: It’s not a question of if, but when Dez Bryant takes over as the No. 2 wide receiver in Dallas. Some could even say the battle is between Bryant and Miles Austin for the No. 1 wide receiver position. While we believe that’s a little premature, it’s obvious the Cowboys want to see Bryant sooner rather than later. Let’s just hope a long holdout isn’t coming.
Prediction: Dez Bryant starts on opening day and competes for Offensive Rookie of the Year in both reality and fantasy.
CAMP BATTLE #3
Position: Washington Redskins No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Clinton Portis, Willie Parker, and Larry Johnson
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: Any starting running back is valuable in a dynasty league, but this is looking ugly. At this point, it certainly looks like Clinton Portis has a leg up on the others for the job this season. However, this is likely going to be his last as the starter in Washington. Larry Johnson isn’t out of the picture quite yet and is said to be having a good offseason as well.
Prediction: Clinton Portis starts on opening day and gets around 65% of the carries this year. LJ will likely get the rest, while Parker is may just get cut.
CAMP BATTLE #4
Position: Buffalo Bills Starting Quarterback
The Competitors: Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards, and Ryan Fitzpatrick
Dynasty Impact: LOW
Overview: The Bills are simply desperate for someone to step up to take the reigns as the leader of this franchise. Unfortunately, their quarterback of the future is likely not on the roster.
At this point in camp, it seems Trent Edwards has the slight edge to start the season. However, if the Bills start slow, you have to figure they attempt to see what they have in the talented, but self-esteem challenged Brohm. Fitzpatrick seems to be an afterthought at this point.
Prediction: Trent Edwards starts the season, Brohm takes over midway. Neither becomes relevant in fantasy.
CAMP BATTLE #5
Position: Chicago Bears No. 2 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox, Juaquin Iglesias
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: Aromashodu is easily one of the hottest pickups in fantasy right now after his blistering end to 2009. Knox is seemingly generating buzz right now as well, while Bennett and Iglesias seem to be fighting for the No. 4 position. This one is really too close to call at this point, though.
Prediction: Aromashodu breaks through and pushes Knox to the slot and return duties, where he excels.
CAMP BATTLE #6
Position: Carolina Panthers No. 2 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Dwayne Jarrett, Brandon LaFell
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: LaFell signed his contract, so there’s no chance for a holdout. That could bode well for his chances to unseat the disappointing former USC star, Dwayne Jarrett. Fact is, Jarrett has simply never shown the consistency needed to star at the level.
Prediction: LaFell earns himself the starting job opposite of Smith, despite John Fox’s affinity for playing veteran players.
CAMP BATTLE #7
Position: Arizona Cardinals No. 2 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Steve Breaston, Early Doucet
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: The No. 2 job in Arizona doesn’t quite hold the same luster now that Matt Leinart is at the helm. Regardless, the door is open for someone to take advantage of Anquan Boldin’s exit. Both players have shown they have the talent to start in the league.
Prediction: Breaston earns the role opposite Larry Fitzgerald, as Doucet slides comfortably in as the No. 3.
CAMP BATTLE #8
Position: Jacksonville Jaguars No. 2 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Mike Thomas, Jarrett Dillard, and Troy Williamson
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: Mike Sims-Walker has taken the helm as the No. 1 wide receiver, but the No. 2 job is clearly up for grabs. Thomas is turning heads as of late, showing the coaches he may just be more than a slot receiver. Williamson is having issues with drops again and that’s a very bad sign for him and his fragile confidence.
Prediction: Thomas wins the No. 2 job opposite Sims-Walker.
CAMP BATTLE #9
Position: Denver Broncos No. 1 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Jabar Gaffney, Demaryius Thomas, and Eddie Royal
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: This is one of the biggest camp battles nobody seems to be talking about. The Broncos offense can be explosive at times, and Kyle Orton had a significantly underrated season last year in both reality and fantasy. While Orton will likely give the reigns to Tim Tebow soon, this wide receiver position is important in fantasy leagues.
Prediction: Gaffney and Royal earn starting spots to start the season, with Gaffney being the one to target for competitive dynasty league teams. Thomas doesn’t make much noise until late in the season.
CAMP BATTLE #10
Position: Oakland Raiders No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Michael Bush, Darren McFadden
Short Term Dynasty Impact: Moderate
Overview: The expectations from the Raiders are certainly tempered for the near future. The winner of this battle will have immediate value for sure, but the enigmatic Raiders offense is tough to predict.
Prediction: Bush wins the starting role, but this may end up being the true definition of a time share.
CAMP BATTLE #11
Position: Arizona Cardinals No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Tim Hightower, Chris Wells
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: Wells is clearly the more talented back and he started to prove that on the field last season. Hightower has been a Cinderella story coming out of Richmond, but the slipper isn’t fitting for much longer.
Prediction: Wells takes over as the lead back and becomes the central figure in the Cardinals rushing attack. Hightower becomes a handcuff to Wells owners.
CAMP BATTLE #12
Position: Buffalo Bills No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and Marshawn Lynch
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: It’s clear the Bills are going to get Spiller involved in as many ways as possible. Depending on just how explosive he is, it’s possible he eats in to Jackson’s workload very soon. Lynch seems to be an afterthought, but is also doing and saying the right things right now.
Prediction: Jackson retains the starting job, while Spiller is used in a variey of formations. Lynch’s value continues to fall.
CAMP BATTLE #13
Position: Cleveland Browns No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Jerome Harrison, Montario Hardesty
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: Not many players, let alone rookies, are creating the type of buzz that Montario Hardesty is right now. Jerome Harrison’s end to 2009 was incredible, but the workload he endured was ridiculous for any back, especially a diminutive one like Harrison.
Prediction: Hardesty surpasses Harrison on the depth chart and starts on opening day.
CAMP BATTLE #14
Position: Dallas Cowboys No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice
Short Term Dynasty Impact: HIGH
Overview: Most dynasty league owners assume this is Felix Jones’ job to lose at this point. Barber is still an effective running back, but this upcoming camp finds Jones ready to finally live up to his potential. Can he do it?
Prediction: Felix Jones replaces Barber in the starting lineup and has his much anticipated breakout season.
CAMP BATTLE #15
Position: New England Patriots No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: It was expected the Patriots would address the running back spot via the draft or free agency. These three committee members are glad they chose not to. The Patriots are a historically bad spot for fantasy running backs since the days of Corey Dillon and it looks like this year will be no different. This has a committee approach written all over it.
Prediction: Maroney gets one last chance to start, but the numbers he puts up won’t be that impressive as he’ll share the load with Morris. Taylor is a prime candidate to be released, but avoids the Turk one last time.
CAMP BATTLE #16
Position: St. Louis Rams No. 1 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Laurent Robinson, Donnie Avery
Short Term Dynasty Impact: LOW
Overview: The Rams offense was putrid last year and Sam Bradford will have a steep learning curve. While the winner of this battle will be a legitimate No. 1 option in the passing offense, their value will be extremely low in their peer group. This is a definitely a spot to monitor long term as Bradford develops, however.
Prediction: Avery gets himself healthy and holds off Robinson as the No. 1 wide receiver. Both will likely start, but it’s Avery who will have more short and long term value in dynasty leagues.
CAMP BATTLE #17
Position: Seattle Seahawks No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Justin Forsett, Julius Jones, and Leon Washington
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: The Seahawks are in major rebuilding mode and their future No. 1 running back is likely not on the roster. With the release of LenDale White earlier this Spring, the 2010 starting job is wide open. Washington still isn’t fully healthy and Justin Forsett seems poised to show he can shoulder a bigger load.
Prediction: Forsett gets the nod as the starter this season, while Washington gets his fair share of carries. Julius Jones is used only as a situational change of pace back.
CAMP BATTLE #18
Position: Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 1 Running Back
The Competitors: Derrick Ward, Cadillac Williams
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: This could be one of the worst producing running back positions in the short term, but we’ve learned not to doubt Cadillac Williams before. Ward seems to be on the outside looking in at this point, but has a chance to change the minds of the coaching staff this Summer.
Prediction: Caddy gets another shot as the lead back and leads the team in carries by a fairly wide margin.
CAMP BATTLE #19
Position: Washington Redskins No. 2 Wide Receiver
The Competitors: Devin Thomas, Malcom Kelly
Short Term Dynasty Impact: MODERATE
Overview: The winner of this job obviously has more value this year than last after the addition of Donovan McNabb. Mike Shanahan tends to get the most from his receivers and No. 1 option Santana Moss is aging as well. This one will be very interesting to monitor.
Prediction: Malcom Kelly pulls a minor upset and starts on opening day.
CAMP BATTLE #20
Position: Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 1 and No. 2 Wide Receivers
The Competitors: Arrelious Benn, Mike Williams, Sammie Stroughter, Maurice Stovall, Reggie Brown, and Michael Clayton
Short Term Dynasty Impact: LOW
Overview: Josh Freeman is one of our favorite risers this offseason, but he has no idea who he’s going to throw to at the moment. This has to be my personal favorite camp battle because it defines the term “wide open.”
Prediction: Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn form the only rookie wide receiving duo to start on opening day in 2010.
Camp is nearly in session and these are just some of the most intriguing position battles for dynasty league owners to keep tabs on.
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Another may be the Packers WR3 battle between James Jones and Jordy Nelson. The winner of this will have two things in their favor: (1) Being part of a potent offense and (2) Donald Driver coming off of dual knee surgeries. The winner of this battle could easily be the Pack’s WR2 by the mid-point of the season.
Hey, great list. The only thing you forgot, is the Giants battle for the #2 wr position between Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks. Although you would think Nicks would win it outright, it is still a competition and important one, especially for people jumping the gun on Nicks in rounds 4-5 of drafts
Round 4 or 5 is not jumping the gun on Nicks…he is going to be a stud this year and beyond. He put up impressive rookie numbers and he was hurt last year. SKy is the limit. He’ll be their #1 by season’s end. If you think MM pushes him to start you didn’t see many Giants games last year.
Yeah, there’s a lot of press out there today about those two battles specifically today. I noticed RotoWorld is actually running a couple of different blurbs about them today.
At this point, I think those two positions aren’t as competitive as the others I’ve cited with Nicks and Jones the clear frontrunners.
You can bet we’ll be revisiting these and more throughout the preseason here at DLF.
Weak. Safest answer to obvious questions. Not a single prediction differs one iota from FF groupthink.
Stanley,
Thanks for your approval. It means a lot coming from a dude, Stan da Man, who is obviously a ledgend in his own mind.
Thanks to you guys that run this site. It always makes for a good read.
Stan da Man is a dork. He seems like a lonley guy but a dork non the less.
Gnome Sayin’
In my opinion watching some Giants games with Manningham playing the guy is for the most part always open. I would love to believe Nicks is a slam dunk but I have my doubts. The 150yds Manningham put on Dallas and another 100 he put on Atlanta are positives for him to compete. Also J Knox is more than capable of being the #1 in Chicago, he beats out Devin no problem. Knox is small but can jump out of his shoes plus he is very quick and fast perfect for Martz. Just my opinion.
You could of made the Giants question Nicks vs SS for #1 WR, or Nicks vs Mario for #2 WR, either way all 3 will be valuable. People brush aside Mario and forget how good he was in college. Look at how big of a jump in stats he had in year 2 and keep in mind he’s still getting better also.
I also was interested in the Tampa Bay situation, but everyone knows the rookies will start. I feel it would have been more interesting for you guys to talk about who will be the #1 WR between the two, Benn vs MW is a big time debate.
Personally I’ve scooped Mike Williams in 4 dynasties and taken him before Benn in each one. Benn is a big project guy, high ceiling but raw, Williams is more polished, was a 1st rd talent aside from character concerns, and he was rated highly by TB as the #2 WR as well as doing well in OTA’s.
I think he has a big future as a future WR1 in fantasy, I trust him alot more then Benn.