Dear Fantasy Doctor X.

NFL Camps: Position battles updates!!!

As training camp starts to wind down and the first cuts are upon us, it also means that training camp position battles are starting to come to a conclusion. Paying attention to position battles can be the difference between drafting a fantasy sleeper or a waiver wire superstar. Here are some of the more noteworthy battles happening in the league, both from a football prospective and a fantasy prospective.

QB’s

1) Huard vs. Croyle (KC) – Getting rid of Green looks like it was a good decision. He hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire in Miami. Problem is that his replacements have looked average at best. The Chiefs have to feel like they should cut ties with all the QBs on their roster last season. Good thing Edwards likes to run the ball, as he definitely will not like to pass this season. Still no clear winner. My impression is that the Chiefs are dying to give Croyle the job. Croyle took the bull by the horns, in the form of a 30-7 destroying by the Saints. He went 5-17 for 45 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 pick. Way to own that situation.

Prediction: I feel the Chiefs will give the job to Huard. Croyle has looked awful for the most part in the preseason. Edwards is a conservative coach. He will want to go with the guy that will make fewer mistakes over the guy that will make more plays. That is Huard. Avoid both QBs in fantasy, as Johnson and Gonzalez are the only viable fantasy options. Cry if you are a Chiefs fan. Those two splitting time at QB will make for a long season.

2) Frye vs. Anderson vs. Quinn (CLE) – The Browns QB position is so bad, that we have three people fighting for the position. The rule of thumb is that the more people you have fighting for the position, the weaker the people fighting for that position. Frye appears to have the inside track, as he was the starter last season. Anderson hasn’t exactly blown away the field. Quinn has the best performance so far, but that was against Detroit’s third string. Crennel seems intent on starting a weak veteran over an inexperienced rookie. Why, I don’t know. He will probably go with Frye, although it is still too close to call.

Prediction: Quinn will be the starter before Thanksgiving. The smart money would be between Week 8 and 10. None of these guys are a viable fantasy option. The exciting news for Browns fans is that Quinn should be a long term fit for the franchise. The bad news is that he probably won’t begin that journey in Week 1 this season.

3) Culpepper vs. Walters (OAK) – Culpepper appears to be ready after tossing a couple touchdown passes in the last preseason game. While he still doesn’t look like the same guy that tore up the league in Minnesota, he looks better than Andrew Walters. It makes no sense to start Walters. He stunk last season, they drafted Russell for the future, and they need a veteran presence to carry them through the transition. Go with Culpepper.

Prediction – Culpepper gets the nod in Week 1. As far as fantasy is concerned, Culpepper needs to show he can stay healthy first. If you have a deep team, and want to try something bold, draft Culpepper with your 15th pick and see what happens. Otherwise, let him sit on the waiver wire until he does something to warrant a pickup.

RB’s / WR

4) Jackson vs. Morency (GB) – This has been a very boring position. The battle was over before it started, due to an injury to Morency the first day of camp; Jackson has seen all the carries. While he hasn’t blown anyone away with 90 yard runs, he gains positive yardage, protects the football, and appears able to move the chains. He has rushed for a couple touchdowns. Smart money would be on Jackson.

Prediction: Draft Jackson in the 10th to 12th round as a viable #4 RB. While he is unproven, the Packers appear to have a defense that will keep the score down. Favre will prevent teams from putting 8 in the box. He should be a viable start in favorable matchups on your starter’s bye weeks.

5) Foster vs. Williams (CAR) – At the start of camp, it appeared that Williams was going to be the starter. However, Foster played very well against the Giants. He now appears to be the starter, while Williams will come in on passing situations. I would say this situation is going to mirror last season. Both will have their moments, and the staff will probably give the bulk of the carries to the guy that has the hot hand that particular game.

Prediction: Foster will be the starter heading into weak one. Both will have fantasy value as #4 backs that can play in a matchup. Foster should have more goal line carries and should be the higher pick. Williams will probably be available on waivers.

6) Brown vs. White vs. Henry (TEN) – Another three headed monster, except instead of Brown quarterbacks, its Titans running backs. All indications early in camp pointed to the Titans wanting White to win the job. That really hasn’t panned out. As of now, Brown looks to be headed into the regular season as the starter, with White expected to split time, and Henry possibly getting carries as well.

Prediction: Stay clear of all three. This is Vince Young’s show, and everyone else is along for the ride. The Titans running game is going to be done by committee. If you have to select one, Brown is probably the best option as a #4 running back to play in matchups. Beware though, because White could take his job anytime.

7) Holmes vs. Wilson (PIT) – This is another battle that appears to be over. While Wilson played well in the Hall of Fame game, Holmes has all the athletic attributes one would want in a wide receiver. The talk of camp is that he has been playing extremely well, and the Steelers hope to involve him in the offense. Even if Wilson were to get the job to start, Holmes would see the field a lot, and would be the better bet in the red zone.

Prediction: Don’t be fooled by all this Holmes out producing Ward talk that is going on. Ward is still the number one option. Holmes should be the number 2. Because of Parker, Ward, and Miller, there won’t be enough touchdowns to go around. I don’t look for Holmes to score a lot this year. However he is a good #5 receiver to play in a pinch or when a starter has a bye. Wilson should not be drafted, as his value is in special teams.

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