Running with the ones
Following Monday night's Vikings-Texans tilt, the meaningful portion of the mostly-meaningless preseason will be in the books. Starters barely play in the exhibition finale, and slightly banged-up players like Pierre Thomas (knee), Carson Palmer (ankle), and Knowshon Moreno (knee) figure to be held out entirely. With first cuts due in by Tuesday and final roster adjustments scheduled for Saturday, let's look at ten position battles that have developed since last week.
Broncos No. 1 Wide Receiver
Brandon Marshall vs. Eddie Royal vs. Jabar Gaffney
Marshall's preseason-ending suspension not only jeopardizes his early-season role, it combines with Jabar Gaffney's thumb injury to confirm that Royal will open the year as Denver's No. 1 wideout. Dating back to the Matt Cassel trade talks and ensuing Jay Cutler fiasco, rookie coach Josh McDaniels has proven a willingness to put his system over talent. A toolsy speed merchant with sure hands and rare versatility, Royal is the ideal fit for McDaniels' complex scheme. Meantime, Marshall has yet to buy into the system or even play a game for his new leader. Royal wasn't in a typical "camp battle" because he's been locked into a starting job all along. But Marshall's demotion created an opportunity for Royal to become the go-to option in Denver. He's capitalized with at least four catches in each of the Broncos' three exhibition games and is a very solid WR2 fantasy pick with an even higher ceiling than last year.
Ravens No. 1 Running Back
Ray Rice vs. Willis McGahee vs. LeRon McClain
You'll get a detailed handle on Baltimore's tailback pecking order by reading our last two blurbs on Rice. While he doesn't have short-yardage/goal-line duties locked up, Rice has started all three preseason games and is being used as an every-down back while McGahee and McClain have been mixed in sparingly. McClain's major offseason weight gain, prescribed by the team, was aimed at developing him into a replacement for departed lead blocker Lorenzo Neal. McClain has six preseason touches to Rice's 35 and McGahee's 22 (many with the second-teamers). Rice's receiving ability adds a new dimension to Baltimore's offense as a check-down magnet. He's an ideal RB2 "save" in the sixth to seventh round of fantasy drafts if you go heavy on wide receivers early.
Cardinals No. 1 Running Back
Tim Hightower vs. Chris Wells
Wells' explosion onto the scene in Friday's third preseason game (7-46-2) probably means he'll play a significant role out of the gate. Still, Hightower has done nothing to lose his starting job. He's averaged a robust five yards per carry this preseason, is no longer dancing behind the line of scrimmage, and remains the Cardinals' best option on passing downs. Hightower and Wells should open the season in an even carry timeshare, with Hightower getting all the catches. Owners drafting Wells will have to be in wait-and-see mode. The Cardinals have tasty matchups (vs. SF, @ JAX, vs. IND) before their Week 4 bye, but barring an implosion by Hightower in practice at the end of camp or in the season opener, Wells will be a dicey RB3/flex option early on.
Dolphins No. 2 Wide Receiver
Greg Camarillo vs. Davone Bess vs. Brian Hartline
Hartline has started back-to-back preseason games, and opened Sunday's practice as Miami's first-team flanker. He separated himself from the competition by going for 79 yards on three catches against the Bucs Thursday night, including a 56-yard grab to set up the Fins' lone touchdown. Bess' role is set as Miami's go-to slot guy, but the upside we envisioned when he was running with the starting offense early in camp has been cut into significantly. He's still a worthwhile WR4/5 lottery ticket in points-per-reception leagues. As a rookie No. 2 wideout on a run-first team, Hartline isn't someone to get excited about. Camarillo will open Week 1 as a special teamer/fourth receiver, needing injuries to matter.
Browns No. 1 Quarterback
Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson
Coach Eric Mangini predictably isn't admitting it yet, but Quinn has taken the reigns in this battle. The third-year passer's preseason numbers (67.7% completions, 7.3 YPA, TD) trump Anderson's (60% completions, 7.9 YPA, 0 TDs, 2 INTs), nearly across the board. Mangini's decision to start Quinn in the third preseason game -- even if Anderson took some first-team snaps -- also was a mini-admission that Quinn has the edge. That Quinn outplayed Anderson, generating 13 points to Anderson's three, only reinforced it. Mangini may wait until after the preseason finale to formally name a starter, but Quinn would have to bomb in what figures to be a brief appearance at Soldier Field Thursday night to lose. It wouldn't be shocking to see D.A. traded after Mangini picks Quinn.
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Titans No. 1 Wide Receiver
Justin Gage vs. Nate Washington vs. Kenny Britt
By all appearances, Washington's hamstring was strained severely last Monday and could cost him multiple early-season games. That cleared a path for Britt to start Week 1 and possibly beyond. Washington had carved out a big role in camp and preseason games, with coordinator Mike Heimerdinger using him in motion and out wide to exploit mismatches. Those duties now fall to Britt, although he didn't look comfortable with so much responsibility on Saturday. Kerry Collins throw his way just once, while Gage racked up six catches for 57 yards and a six-yard score on eight targets. Even rookie TE Jared Cook got more attention than Britt. Britt appeared NFL ready in his 89-yard, one-touchdown second preseason game, but Gage enters the year as Tennessee's uncontested top receiver.
Jaguars No. 1 Wide Receiver
Torry Holt vs. Mike Sims-Walker vs. Troy Williamson
Williamson was quiet (one catch, 11 yards) in Jacksonville's third exhibition, but still leads all NFL receivers in preseason yardage (232). While Sims-Walker may return from his lingering ankle injury this week, he's likely lost any chance to start Week 1. Holt is showing weak separation skills, with just four preseason catches for 47 yards. The wideout formerly known as Big Game's declining big-play ability creates a need for speed on the other side. Williamson isn't more than a late-round flier in fantasy leagues, but he's definitely on the radar. The Jags are desperate for someone to stretch the field so Maurice Jones-Drew doesn't see eight in the box on every down.
Jets No. 2 Wide Receiver
Chansi Stuckey vs. David Clowney vs. Brad Smith
Clowney ran with the Jets' starters late last week, but Stuckey entered first in Saturday's preseason game and capitalized with 69 yards and a touchdown on four catches. Smith has been plagued by drops and went reception-less against the Giants. Clowney also didn't record a catch Saturday. He's locked up a roster spot and will have a Week 1 role, but probably as a situational deep threat ala Devery Henderson or Joey Galloway. Problem is, the Jets will employ a run-first offense, limiting the ceilings of all their receivers. As a substitute with shaky hands, Clowney's upside is around 30 catches for 500 yards. Stuckey is worth grabbing late in PPR drafts. He'll likely be an every-down starter, moving to the slot when New York uses three wideouts.
Packers No. 3 Wide Receiver
James Jones vs. Jordy Nelson vs. Ruvell Martin
We've liked Jones in this competition all along, but Nelson made his case in Friday's exhibition game, racking up 88 yards and a score on three grabs. Jones still has solid preseason production overall (7 catches, 100 yards to Nelson's 5-111-1), so this may come down to Green Bay's preseason finale. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings won't play much, if at all, Thursday night at Tennessee. Look for Nelson to start at split end with Jones at flanker. If both continue to play well, coach Mike McCarthy may enter the season using a third-receiver rotation, with the more sure-handed Nelson playing in the slot on short-yardage downs and Jones entering in big-play packages.
Buccaneers No. 1 Quarterback
Byron Leftwich vs. Luke McCown vs. Josh Freeman
Coach Raheem Morris ended this battle by naming Leftwich his starter on Saturday. The Bucs have put McCown and No. 4 quarterback Josh Johnson on the trading block. Leftwich did nothing to "earn" the job, completing a measly 49 percent of his preseason throws with a minuscule 5.2 YPA and just one touchdown on 43 pass attempts. His arm strength does suit coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski's vertical mindset in the passing game, but there's no reason to think Leftwich will prove even adequate as a starter or be on a long leash. Don't touch this situation in fantasy.
Following Monday night's Vikings-Texans tilt, the meaningful portion of the mostly-meaningless preseason will be in the books. Starters barely play in the exhibition finale, and slightly banged-up players like Pierre Thomas (knee), Carson Palmer (ankle), and Knowshon Moreno (knee) figure to be held out entirely. With first cuts due in by Tuesday and final roster adjustments scheduled for Saturday, let's look at ten position battles that have developed since last week.
Broncos No. 1 Wide Receiver
Brandon Marshall vs. Eddie Royal vs. Jabar Gaffney
Marshall's preseason-ending suspension not only jeopardizes his early-season role, it combines with Jabar Gaffney's thumb injury to confirm that Royal will open the year as Denver's No. 1 wideout. Dating back to the Matt Cassel trade talks and ensuing Jay Cutler fiasco, rookie coach Josh McDaniels has proven a willingness to put his system over talent. A toolsy speed merchant with sure hands and rare versatility, Royal is the ideal fit for McDaniels' complex scheme. Meantime, Marshall has yet to buy into the system or even play a game for his new leader. Royal wasn't in a typical "camp battle" because he's been locked into a starting job all along. But Marshall's demotion created an opportunity for Royal to become the go-to option in Denver. He's capitalized with at least four catches in each of the Broncos' three exhibition games and is a very solid WR2 fantasy pick with an even higher ceiling than last year.
Ravens No. 1 Running Back
Ray Rice vs. Willis McGahee vs. LeRon McClain
You'll get a detailed handle on Baltimore's tailback pecking order by reading our last two blurbs on Rice. While he doesn't have short-yardage/goal-line duties locked up, Rice has started all three preseason games and is being used as an every-down back while McGahee and McClain have been mixed in sparingly. McClain's major offseason weight gain, prescribed by the team, was aimed at developing him into a replacement for departed lead blocker Lorenzo Neal. McClain has six preseason touches to Rice's 35 and McGahee's 22 (many with the second-teamers). Rice's receiving ability adds a new dimension to Baltimore's offense as a check-down magnet. He's an ideal RB2 "save" in the sixth to seventh round of fantasy drafts if you go heavy on wide receivers early.
Cardinals No. 1 Running Back
Tim Hightower vs. Chris Wells
Wells' explosion onto the scene in Friday's third preseason game (7-46-2) probably means he'll play a significant role out of the gate. Still, Hightower has done nothing to lose his starting job. He's averaged a robust five yards per carry this preseason, is no longer dancing behind the line of scrimmage, and remains the Cardinals' best option on passing downs. Hightower and Wells should open the season in an even carry timeshare, with Hightower getting all the catches. Owners drafting Wells will have to be in wait-and-see mode. The Cardinals have tasty matchups (vs. SF, @ JAX, vs. IND) before their Week 4 bye, but barring an implosion by Hightower in practice at the end of camp or in the season opener, Wells will be a dicey RB3/flex option early on.
Dolphins No. 2 Wide Receiver
Greg Camarillo vs. Davone Bess vs. Brian Hartline
Hartline has started back-to-back preseason games, and opened Sunday's practice as Miami's first-team flanker. He separated himself from the competition by going for 79 yards on three catches against the Bucs Thursday night, including a 56-yard grab to set up the Fins' lone touchdown. Bess' role is set as Miami's go-to slot guy, but the upside we envisioned when he was running with the starting offense early in camp has been cut into significantly. He's still a worthwhile WR4/5 lottery ticket in points-per-reception leagues. As a rookie No. 2 wideout on a run-first team, Hartline isn't someone to get excited about. Camarillo will open Week 1 as a special teamer/fourth receiver, needing injuries to matter.
Browns No. 1 Quarterback
Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson
Coach Eric Mangini predictably isn't admitting it yet, but Quinn has taken the reigns in this battle. The third-year passer's preseason numbers (67.7% completions, 7.3 YPA, TD) trump Anderson's (60% completions, 7.9 YPA, 0 TDs, 2 INTs), nearly across the board. Mangini's decision to start Quinn in the third preseason game -- even if Anderson took some first-team snaps -- also was a mini-admission that Quinn has the edge. That Quinn outplayed Anderson, generating 13 points to Anderson's three, only reinforced it. Mangini may wait until after the preseason finale to formally name a starter, but Quinn would have to bomb in what figures to be a brief appearance at Soldier Field Thursday night to lose. It wouldn't be shocking to see D.A. traded after Mangini picks Quinn.
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Titans No. 1 Wide Receiver
Justin Gage vs. Nate Washington vs. Kenny Britt
By all appearances, Washington's hamstring was strained severely last Monday and could cost him multiple early-season games. That cleared a path for Britt to start Week 1 and possibly beyond. Washington had carved out a big role in camp and preseason games, with coordinator Mike Heimerdinger using him in motion and out wide to exploit mismatches. Those duties now fall to Britt, although he didn't look comfortable with so much responsibility on Saturday. Kerry Collins throw his way just once, while Gage racked up six catches for 57 yards and a six-yard score on eight targets. Even rookie TE Jared Cook got more attention than Britt. Britt appeared NFL ready in his 89-yard, one-touchdown second preseason game, but Gage enters the year as Tennessee's uncontested top receiver.
Jaguars No. 1 Wide Receiver
Torry Holt vs. Mike Sims-Walker vs. Troy Williamson
Williamson was quiet (one catch, 11 yards) in Jacksonville's third exhibition, but still leads all NFL receivers in preseason yardage (232). While Sims-Walker may return from his lingering ankle injury this week, he's likely lost any chance to start Week 1. Holt is showing weak separation skills, with just four preseason catches for 47 yards. The wideout formerly known as Big Game's declining big-play ability creates a need for speed on the other side. Williamson isn't more than a late-round flier in fantasy leagues, but he's definitely on the radar. The Jags are desperate for someone to stretch the field so Maurice Jones-Drew doesn't see eight in the box on every down.
Jets No. 2 Wide Receiver
Chansi Stuckey vs. David Clowney vs. Brad Smith
Clowney ran with the Jets' starters late last week, but Stuckey entered first in Saturday's preseason game and capitalized with 69 yards and a touchdown on four catches. Smith has been plagued by drops and went reception-less against the Giants. Clowney also didn't record a catch Saturday. He's locked up a roster spot and will have a Week 1 role, but probably as a situational deep threat ala Devery Henderson or Joey Galloway. Problem is, the Jets will employ a run-first offense, limiting the ceilings of all their receivers. As a substitute with shaky hands, Clowney's upside is around 30 catches for 500 yards. Stuckey is worth grabbing late in PPR drafts. He'll likely be an every-down starter, moving to the slot when New York uses three wideouts.
Packers No. 3 Wide Receiver
James Jones vs. Jordy Nelson vs. Ruvell Martin
We've liked Jones in this competition all along, but Nelson made his case in Friday's exhibition game, racking up 88 yards and a score on three grabs. Jones still has solid preseason production overall (7 catches, 100 yards to Nelson's 5-111-1), so this may come down to Green Bay's preseason finale. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings won't play much, if at all, Thursday night at Tennessee. Look for Nelson to start at split end with Jones at flanker. If both continue to play well, coach Mike McCarthy may enter the season using a third-receiver rotation, with the more sure-handed Nelson playing in the slot on short-yardage downs and Jones entering in big-play packages.
Buccaneers No. 1 Quarterback
Byron Leftwich vs. Luke McCown vs. Josh Freeman
Coach Raheem Morris ended this battle by naming Leftwich his starter on Saturday. The Bucs have put McCown and No. 4 quarterback Josh Johnson on the trading block. Leftwich did nothing to "earn" the job, completing a measly 49 percent of his preseason throws with a minuscule 5.2 YPA and just one touchdown on 43 pass attempts. His arm strength does suit coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski's vertical mindset in the passing game, but there's no reason to think Leftwich will prove even adequate as a starter or be on a long leash. Don't touch this situation in fantasy.
