Scott Engel takes a weekly look at some of the top positional battles for fantasy players to watch during the preseason.

Some of the following preseason fights for starting jobs are already open, others are simply perceived, but all are equally important. I focus on the 'Big Three" skill positions and predict who will win out in the most fantasy-relevant scenarios.

Running Backs:

Oakland: Justin Fargas is expected to open camp as the top guy on the depth chart, after signing a three-year deal during the off-season. Darren McFadden, however, is simply too talented to sit behind Fargas, who has been up and down overall during the course of his career. Fargas is the only truly veteran "insurance policy" in case McFadden struggles early, but both RBs face the same adversity with a shaky supporting cast surrounding them. McFadden is better suited to overcome those issues, even though Fargas was able to do it last year. Winner: McFadden.

Chicago: Matt Forte has the upside, Adrian Peterson has the experience. If Forte disappoints in the early-going, Peterson can be adequate for fantasy purposes, as he can catch passes and has shifty moves. Yet he is better suited to being a third-down back, and the Bears wouldn't have cut Cedric Benson if they did not like what they saw in Forte. He plays hard and can get loose for big runs. I'm banking on the newcomer. Winner: Forte

Detroit: Many onlookers think that the Lions got a steal when they landed Kevin Smith in the draft. Because Tatum Bell is a proven disappointment, the consensus seems to be that Smith is on the fast track to fantasy stardom. Yet, opportunity doesn't always equal success, and Smith is not a power back. He may not be able to tote a heavy load at the NFL level. That said, he could be more effective than Bell, because he can find holes and follow his blockers well. Either way, he may not be anything more than adequate in his rookie year. Smith is the choice, but I don’t love him. Winner: Smith

Carolina: In April, the Charlotte Observer reported that Jonathan Stewart was projected to start at RB and would split carries with DeAngelo Williams. Stewart is working his way back from a toe injury, but by the time the regular season starts, he should be clearly established as Carolina's No. 1 running back. He is physical, is determined, and will be the prime pick to finish off scoring drives. Williams has not lived up to expectations and will be used more as a change of pace to keep defenses off balance. DeAngelo won't get enough of the important carries to translate into quality fantasy numbers. Winner: Are you beginning to notice rookies create many of these RB battles, and will likely win them? Stewart.

Houston: Ahman Green is on the mend from a knee injury, but his best days are in the rear view mirror, and he is an apparent risk. Chris Brown is insurance? The guy gets hurt picking up the remote control! Rookie Steve Slaton is too small to make a real impact in fantasy this year, and Chris Taylor is on the way back from a major knee problem himself. Darius Walker has a shot to be a stopgap option. Winner: Green if he stays healthy, but you shouldn’t draft any of these guys.

Wide Receivers

Buffalo: Let's not speculate too much here. Roscoe Parrish is an ideal third receiver. Josh Reed is only good for the occasional possession catch. Rookie James Hardy will learn on the job, even if he struggles early. Winner: Hardy

Jacksonville: While Jerry Porter appears to be a lock to start at one position, it will be interesting to see whether Reggie Williams or Troy Williamson can take more steps forward, after both have been mostly disappointing to this point in their respective careers. At least Williams has developed into a regular TD threat. Now Williamson joins a team with a more stable QB situation. I still like Williams better for fantasy production, even if Williamson makes the big catches on occasion. Winner: There is no official battle here, but Williams is the only one worth drafting in the later rounds.

Denver: Keary Colbert is perceived as a "never-was", and Darrell Jackson is already regarded as a has-been. Jackson is simply the better player, though, and will emerge as the more dependable complement to Brandon Marshall. Jackson has dealt with injuries recently, but he still has great football intelligence and will make tough catches. Colbert may be more naturally gifted, but will continue to be an enigma. Winner: Jackson.

Kansas City: Jeff Webb is a big target, but he will have trouble getting open regularly Rookie Will Franklin could be a project. That opens the door for inexperienced, but smooth operator Devard Darling to be a respectable complement to Dwayne Bowe. Darling has sleeper potential. Winner: Darling.

Washington: Antwaan Randle El should be more effective as a third receiver, and the Redskins have brought in two big rookies who can nicely complement Santana Moss. Neither Devin Thomas nor Malcolm Kelly will make much of a fantasy impact initially, and none of the three should be drafted. Winner: Kelly might make a few more key catches than Thomas. Randle El will hold the starting job, though, for one more year.

Carolina: Let's be quick here. As long as D.J. Hackett is healthy, he will stay ahead of Muhsin Muhammad on the depth chart.

Chicago: Marty Booker should nail down one starting spot, but that is all we can be sure of. Devin Hester won't contribute enough for fantasy purposes, and Brandon Lloyd only makes the occasional pretty catch. Mark Bradley can win the job opposite Booker on pure receiving skills alone, but I have seen disposable razors last longer than Mark has been able to stay on the field. Winner: Bradley initially, then it's anyone's guess and not worth the trouble.

New Orleans: David Patten became the desperation option at the No. 2 receiver spot last year, but his veteran savvy will now give way to youth. It won't be Devery Henderson who overtakes him, as Henderson can only run like Forrest Gump: Straight ahead. After a forgettable rookie year, Robert Meachem will blossom, because he has the skills and a quarterback who will make him look good. Winner: Meachem.

Quarterbacks

New York Jets: Chad Pennington is still accurate, but you have to wonder if Gary Coleman can throw a better deep ball. With outstanding yard-after-the-catch ability, Laveranues Coles has long helped Chad succeed, but Coles is now showing real signs of aging. Clemens is more of a spark right now and will start developing a great on-field relationship with Jerricho Cotchery. Clemens is another sleeper to watch. Winner: Clemens.

Arizona: Kurt Warner is the top backup in the league from a fantasy perspective, but Matt Leinart may receive a lot of patience from the staff early in the year. I see a respectable season coming. Winner: Leinart.

San Francisco: Alex Smith has the pedigree. But Shaun Hill is more poised and confident, and he will better be able to handle Mike Martz's system by the end of training camp. Winner: Hill, who'll be a decent fantasy backup once he takes over the job. 

Chicago and Baltimore: C'mon, I said only fantasy relevant. Awright, Kyle Orton and Troy Smith.

Scott Engel was last seen battling for a prime position on line during a Peter Criss autograph signing. Contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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