And so it begins: Training camp battles to watch

Training Camps are here! The Cleveland Browns were the first to open camp on July 23rd, and over the next week, all other teams will be following suit. The Colts and Giants will be the last teams to begin, with their camp start dates on August 1st. These are the times that returning veteran's get back to peak physical condition, offseason trades and rookies learn to subtleties of their team's offense, and players battle for starting positions or an increased share of the workload. This is VERY important for fantasy owners because it has implications that can affect everything from your draft strategy to your fantasy football league's championship game. this weeks post is a look at some of the training camp battles that have either started already, or will in the next week. They should be explosive.

Marion Barber vs. Felix Jones:

Everyone seems to be assuming Felix Jones is the guy in Dallas this year. For some reason, these people are counting out Marion Barber, who has recently garnered a lot of buzz about his shape coming into camp. Today, he showed up at 214lbs, 4 pounds lighter than Felix Jones. Barber is healthy, in great shape, and is still the number one back. A split timeshare will likely be in order, but with Barber's strong, bruising style of running, he'll still get the goal line work.  And in case you forgot, Barber can run like hell when healthy. Felix Jones may still win the starting role, but a strong showing by Barber could put him back into the role he played best: 3rd down, goal line, change of pace, and the Cowboys finisher in the 4th quarter.



Jamaal Charles vs. Thomas Jones:

Nobody panic! I'm still very high on Charles; but I think TJ might get more touches than most people seem to think. Yes, he's almost 32, and he had 330 carries last year. But this guy is a freak of nature. Charles will be the No.1 back in Kansas City, but Jones will likely earn carries as a 3rd down back and at the goal line if he proves during camp that he hasn't lost a step yet. Jamaal Charles though, will get the majority of the carries due to his singular level of talent and playmaking ability.





Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams:

Now by this point, most everyone is certain that Dez Bryant will be the No. 2 WR in Dallas. This will be an interesting training camp battle because if Bryant performs as phenomenally as expected, he may push Williams all the way out of Dallas. And Williams knows it. The Rookie has already called his shot by refusing to carry Roy Williams' pads in the traditional "rookie hazing" that takes place all over the NFL. Roy, be careful because you rock the boat too much with this young stud, and good ol' Jerry Jones WILL get rid of you. Ask T.O.



Jerome Harrison vs. Montario Hardesty:

Another backfield duo that's sure to duke it out during training camp, Harrison and Hardesty are likely to split carries during the season. I still see Montario Hardesty getting about 60 percent of the carries at the least though, making him the RB to own in fantasy football leagues. Harrison put up great numbers at the end of last year, but on way too many carries. He's just not built to be an every down back, whereas Hardesty has all the physical tools and playmaking ability to have a huge impact in Cleveland.



CJ Spiller vs. Fred Jackson vs. Marshawn Lynch:

This is one of the most intriguing training camp battles to me. Honestly, I don't think Fred Jackson is the running back they're looking for in Buffalo. If he was, the team would have cut Lynch. Jackson's numbers are even less impressive when you notice that almost half of his yardage (474) came in three games: Versus the Bucs, the Chiefs, and the Colt in week 17, when the towel boys put on the blue and white to rest the starters.  It should be a battle between Spiller and Jackson for the majority of the carries, then another battle between Lynch and Jackson for the 3rd down and goal line work. Somehow I see Jackson becoming the odd man out here.

Clinton Portis vs. Larry Johnson:

And so, the plot thickens...back in April, Larry Johnson told USA Today that he expected to win the starting job from Clinton Portis. Today, bleacherreport.com stated that the 'Skins were expecting Portis to be back in Pro Bowl form. I completely agree with the bleachers on this one. Mike Shanahan had come to town, and Portis is drinking Shanny's Kool-Aid. He also accepted his new coaches conditioning challenge, and showed up to camp 13lbs lighter than last season's 230. He's doing everything right, his coach has his back, and this guy will do great things this season. The only reason this is a duel to watch is to see how much of the workload LJ can get during the season. And as for Willie Parker? He may not even make the roster.



Terrance Cody vs. His Weight:

Well if you haven't heard, earlier today 2nd round draft pick Terrance Cody was told by the Ravens that he could not participate in training camp because he wasn't in good enough shape. Now, that raises some concerns about his work ethic, but I don't think that is the case here. Cody has struggled with his weight all of his life, but he's always gotten it down. Think of him as a UFC heavyweight fighter: he goes back up to his normal weight during off time, but he always gets it back down in time for the big show. I'm sure he'll make it to camp soon.