NFL Preseason: Predicting Who Will Win the 50 Nastiest Position Showdowns

This year, like every other, features an preseason full of roster battles. Some of those battles have clear winners now, while others are still muddled by uncertainty.

But, halfway through the preseason, it's time to start calling the races and seeing if the chosen can make an impact consistently.

Here's a look at the 50 biggest position showdowns in the NFL and a winner for each one.

Carolina Panthers' Starting Quarterback

Who: Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen

Winner: Newton

Reasoning

Newton has received more reps in practice and in games, and simply looks better than Clausen at this point.

He’s also a much more versatile athlete, meaning Newton can stand up to a lot more rookie punishment than Clausen can.

Staying Power

Once Newton is officially the starter, about the only reason I could see him getting benched would be if he’s hurt or just hideously awful.

It’s likely Carolina will expect him to struggle, so he doesn’t have to be perfect this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Starting Left Tackle

Who: Jonathan Scott, Marcus Gilbert

Winner: Scott—by default

Reasoning

Scott gets the nod because he’s got more experience than Marcus Gilbert and also because he’s been more consistent (that’s not a compliment) so far in the preseason.

The health issues and the lack of real consistency are a concern, however.

Staying Power

I get the feeling that Scott wouldn’t be starting if the team had a better option.

The signing of Trai Essex makes me curious if they will try to use Ramon Foster at tackle again. They’ve done that before with some success, and it could be a better option right now.

Seattle Seahawks' Starting Quarterback

Who: Charlie Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson

Winner: Jackson

Reasoning

The Seahawks gave an awful lot of money to a guy who’s got no clear advantage over the player they already had in Charlie Whitehurst.

Tarvaris Jackson may get the starting nod simply because that’s what the team envisioned originally. That makes it a very tense situation, especially since he’s been badly outclassed so far.

Staying Power

This will be a thin leash. Unless Jackson comes out and blows everyone’s socks off, he’s going to be pulled if he can’t get the job done.  

Whitehurst has outplayed him in every way this season and has a chip on his shoulder. That can be helpful. I’d say Whitehurst will probably be the starter by Week 5.

Washington Redskins' Starting Quarterback

Who: John Beck and Rex Grossman

Winner: Beck

Reasoning

Beck was kind of a laughable option coming into camp. He hadn’t started since his rookie year with Miami and wasn’t very good at any point that year or after.

But Beck’s gone to work this year and made a good initial impression. He’s taken the competition in stride and seems to be thriving on it.

Staying Power

Not sure about this.

I get the feeling Beck will get every chance to succeed since the Redskins aren’t really aiming high this season. They’ve got a ton of holes, but if Beck is considerably bad, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Grossman come back in. He wasn’t half bad finishing last season.

Arizona Cardinals' Second Wide Receiver

Who: Early Doucet, Chansi Stuckey and Andre Roberts

Winner: Doucet

Reasoning

Doucet is the more athletic receiver between he and Roberts, and is younger than Stuckey. He’s more likely to succeed. and he is a great match with Larry Fitzgerald.

Plus, Doucet’s earned the right to lose the job or keep it forever based on performance.

Staying Power

Receiver is always a muddled picture. With Arizona likely to go to a lot of three and four-receiver sets, all three guys could get a lot of play.

I think Doucet will have a breakout year, however, so he should get and keep this job.

Atlanta Falcons' Starting Linebacker

Who: Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas

Winner: Nicholas—for now

Reasoning

Peterson is the veteran here, but he’s been outplayed so far in the preseason.

Now, some veterans can overcome that, but Nicholas has played pretty well and seems to have earned the chance to keep the job.

Staying Power

This could seesaw.

Peterson will see some time in special packages and, if he makes an impact or if Nicholas struggles, he’ll be the first guy they turn to in a crunch. I think Peterson will see the field a lot even if he is a backup.

I could see this being a platoon situation as well.

Jacksonville Jaguars' Starting Quarterback

Who: Blaine Gabbert and David Garrard

Winner: Garrard

Reasoning

Garrard is more seasoned. Gabbert has shown flashes so far, but he’s not going to be the most competitive as a rookie. He’s less ready for the NFL than a lot of people predicted, which isn’t a knock on him, it’s just an observation.

Staying Power

Less than you’d think.

Garrard is the most underappreciated player at his position, so it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if they moved to Gabbert as soon as he struggles.

This could end up being a back-and-forth struggle if neither quarterback can get the Jaguars going, which will be tough with no proven receivers.

Kansas City Chiefs' Second Wide Receiver

Who: Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston

Winner: Breaston

Reasoning

Breaston has more experience and also seems to be the cooler head of the group. The Chiefs need someone steady opposite of Dwayne Bowe, and Baldwin doesn’t seem ready to assume a mature role.

Fighting with your own teammates will get your nowhere.

Staying Power

Wide receiver is muddled, but Breaston should get the bulk of the playing time for the Chiefs. Baldwin slots in nicely as the third guy, so he should also get a chance to make some big plays this season.

If he does, he could force a competition again next season.

Miami Dolphins' Starting Quarterback

Who: Matt Moore and Chad Henne

Winner: Moore

Reasoning

Tony Sparano is coaching for his job this season, so he needs a quarterback who can move the offense.

Henne hasn’t been able to do that since he became a starter and hasn’t looked like the guy so far in camp.

Moore looks better and has more experience. He could fill in for a year or until they get someone else.

Staying Power

Not much, but that’s only if they go out and acquire someone like Brady Quinn, Kyle Orton or another guy who could be more successful.

Unless Henne makes a big comeback, he’s not the guy. Moore would have to completely bust out during the regular season to lose the job to him.

New England Patriots' Starting Running Back

Who: Danny Woodhead, Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis, Steven Ridley

Winner: Woodhead

Reasoning

Woodhead stood out last year after emerging from nowhere (it seemed to be that kind of year with running backs).

Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis doesn’t seem like he’s going to be impressive, and Woodhead has more upside.

Staying Power

The Patriots haven’t had a solid starting back for a while and figure to continue doing a running back-by-committee program until further notice. If Woodhead or someone else can step up and contribute a lot and regularly, they might finally stop the carousel in the backfield.

New Orleans Saints' Starting Running Back

Who: Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory

Winner: Ingram

Reasoning

Ingram was drafted to be the feature back. He is a multi-tool guy with excellent skills, so I expect him to get the bulk of the work.

The good news is that the Saints can use Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas as change-of-pace options to keep Ingram fresh.

Staying Power

As long as Ingram performs, he should be in the driver's seat for the foreseeable future.

The team is looking for a replacement for Reggie Bush, who disappointed during his time. Thomas and Ivory aren’t going anywhere, but Ingram is the back of the present and future.

New York Jets' Starting Safety

Who: Brodney Pool and Eric Smith

Winner: Pool

Reasoning

Smith is the one who is being billed as the starter right now, but there’s a good chance he’ll be unseated by the veteran Pool.

Pool is a more versatile playmaker and is better in coverage at this point. Smith is a guy who could get there eventually.

Staying Power

Probably not much.

Smith is a Rex Ryan guy, so he will be given a lot of opportunities. Pool was brought back as a fallback and has performed better so far.

If he falters, Smith will start taking away snaps from him.

Philadelphia Eagles' Starting Cornerback

Who: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel

Winner: Samuel

Reasoning

Samuel is the better corner. He’s a little older, but he makes more plays and has a stronger background in this defense.

Rodgers-Cromartie profiles as perhaps the best nickel corner in the NFL, so the Eagles, on paper, certainly have the best secondary in the league.

Staying Power

This could be flipped at any point, but as long as Samuel plays his usual game, he’s going to be the starter. The Eagles could run a lot of three-corner packages and have some great success.

It gives them a ton of defensive flexibility.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Starting Right Guard

Who: Ramon Foster, Doug Legursky, Tony Hills, etc.

Winner: Foster (unless he moves to tackle)

Reasoning

Foster was a great boost for the offensive line last season after taking over for the disappointing Trai Essex and could be a long-term fit at the right guard spot.

If he moves to tackle, however, the position is wide open. Tony Hills has had a good camp, so he could step in if needed.

Staying Power

The Steelers want consistency on the line, so if Foster wins out and performs, he will likely stay the starter for the long term.

The wild card is the work of rookie Keith Williams and the team’s thoughts on Doug Legursky. They could change the whole picture.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Fourth Wide Receiver

Who: Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery

Winner: Brown

Reasoning

Jerricho Cotchery has been a pleasant addition to the team, but he doesn’t have the athleticism and speed of Brown.

Brown was huge down the stretch last year and made some big catches, so it’s really his job to lose. It’s been even so far, so the advantage still lies with Brown.

Staying Power

Cotchery will get his reps, probably in special situations and five-receiver sets.

Brown should remain a top target and a candidate to move up to the slot when Hines Ward hangs up his cleats. Brown could even be the third receiver to open the year if Emmanuel Sanders is still injured.

San Diego Chargers' Starting Running Back

Who: Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews

Winner: Tolbert

Reasoning

Mathews was drafted last year with the thought that he’d be the guy to take the torch and be the feature back. He never got going.

Tolbert stepped up last year and was a pleasant surprise. He’s still looking better, but Mathews is in the picture now as a change-of-pace guy.

Staying Power

I get the feeling this will shift more to a tandem if Mathews gets on track.

If not, it’s now Tolbert’s job to lose. He’s looked good in the preseason and seems to be the right kind of back for a pass-heavy offense like the one in San Diego.

San Francisco 49ers' Starting Quarterback

Who: Colin Kaepernick, Alex Smith and maybe a third guy not signed yet

Winner: Either Smith or a third party

Reasoning

To be honest, if Smith wins the job, the 49ers are punting on their season. He’s been awful so far.

It’s clear Jim Harbaugh doesn’t want to throw rookie Colin Kaepernick to the wolves, so they’d best bring in someone like Daunte Culpepper for a year.

Staying Power

Whoever gets the job will have to perform to keep it. If they don’t, they’ll be replaced.

I get the feeling that Harbaugh is going to go to Kaepernick before the end of the year, so it’s probably only a temporary position to begin with. Confidence in Alex Smith is almost totally eroded now.

Washington Redskins' Starting Running Back

Who: Evan Royster, Roy Helu, Ryan Torain, etc.

Winner: Royster and Helu

Reasoning

Mike Shanahan works wonders on running backs. Helu and Royster have looked good so far in the preseason.

Tim Hightower is around too, but he might be more effective on third downs and around the goal line.

There will likely be a tandem in Washington; Royster and Helu would be a nice pair.

Staying Power

If Shanahan finds a back he can work with, he’ll make them a star. He’s worked wonders in Denver before, but the talent pool here isn’t nearly as deep.

The wild card here is Ryan Torain. If he gets healthy, he could step back in.

Cincinnati Bengals' Starting Quarterback

Who: Bruce Gradkowski and Andy Dalton

Winner: Dalton

Reasoning

Dalton has pretty much been given the job at this point. He’s been only so-so in the preseason, but Marvin Lewis and co. seem determined to push the restart button on the franchise and hope that Dalton comes up aces.

It’s going to be a long year.

Staying Power

If Dalton comes out with the job, he’ll have it unless he’s injured.

Gradkowski isn’t fooling anyone and isn’t the quarterback of the future for anyone, so he will hold the clipboard and try to tutor Dalton from the bench.

Dallas Cowboys' Starting Linebacker

Who: Keith Brooking and Sean Lee

Winner: Lee

Reasoning

Brooking is aging and has lost a step.

Lee looks like a potential star and is going to be given the chance to win the job outright this season. He is a sure tackler and is much faster than Brooking.

Brooking will likely still contribute in situational packages.

Staying Power

It depends.

If Lee wins the job and bombs, the team probably won’t hesitate to move back to the veteran Brooking and try to get through the year before doing the whole competition over again—possibly with new names next season.

Chicago Bears' Starting Center

Who: Roberto Garza and Chris Spence

Winner: Garza

Reasoning

The Bears suffered through a long year of offensive line woes in 2010, and it badly affected Jay Cutler’s ability to stay healthy and on the field.

Chicago will likely go toward experience with Garza, but there’s no guarantee he can keep the job.

Staying Power

Not much if he struggles. Spencer could emerge as the starter if Garza can’t cut it.

The Bears need to be better along the offensive line for Cutler’s sake—and for Matt Forte’s, as well.

That starts with a solid center.

Baltimore Ravens' Starting Offensive Tackle

Who: Jah Reid, Oniel Cousins, etc.

Winner: Reid

Reasoning

Reid is young and athletic. He fell further than I expected in the draft, and could likely step in and contribute right away.

Reid’s looked pretty good in the preseason and seems poised. The Ravens need the help in a division that features some fantastic defensive fronts.

Staying Power

I get the feeling that Reid can do the job and stick long term. The Ravens need some stability along the line and are shuffling in a lot of spots this year.

If Reid performs well, he’ll stay in charge.

If he struggles, it will depend on where the team is everywhere else.

Green Bay Packers' Starting Linebacker

Who: Eric Walden, Frank Zombo and Brad Jones

Winner: Walden

Reasoning

Walden got a big boost when Frank Zombo went down with a busted shoulder blade. Walden’s also outplaying Brad Jones so far and seems like the odds-on favorite to start next to Clay Matthews.

Walden has some great skills and should be a good addition.

Staying Power

Kevin Greene is a big Zombo fan, but there’s not a lot of clarity around whether or not Zombo will be able to play this season.

If he does, he’ll still have a hard time unseating the talented Walden. I don’t see Brad Jones either unless he makes a huge push the rest of the preseason.

Buffalo Bills' Starting Running Back

Who: Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller

Winner: Tandem

Reasoning

Neither Jackson nor Spiller looks like a true feature back who handles the majority of the load himself.

Both, however, have great skill sets. They should be able to coexist in the Bills' backfield and give Ryan Fitzpatrick some much needed help.

If one is going to overtake the other, I’d take Spiller right now.

Staying Power

This could be a great tandem if both guys get going. Spiller disappointed to a degree last year, but he looks a lot better this year and could give Buffalo one of the AFC East’s best rushing duos.

It could also help Buffalo stay competitive in an era with few wide receivers to catch passes.

New York Giants' Third Wide Receiver

Who: Domenik Hixon and Victor Cruz

Winner: Hixon

Reasoning

Hixon looks to have the inside track right now. He has made a full recovery from last year’s ACL injury and seems poised to take the third receiver position.

Hixon has made some nice plays throughout camp and in the preseason, so he’s well positioned now.

Staying Power

Cruz should work well as a fourth guy, but receivers tend to move around a lot. Both Cruz and Hixon could end up getting a lot of looks this year, but Hixon is the better option for the slot right now.

Dallas Cowboys' Third Wide Receiver

Who: Kevin Ogletree and Dwayne Harris

Winner: Ogletree

Reasoning

This really has been Ogletree’s job to lose.

The Cowboys are a pretty even team when it comes to run and pass, so it’s unclear exactly how big of a role the third receiver will have on a unit that has two good starters and tight end Jason Witten.

Dwayne Harris has given him a good run, but Ogletree looks like the guy.

Staying Power

This isn’t the Colts or Steelers where the third receiver is very essential. Ogletree should be able to hold the job as long as he performs when his number is called. He’s got good hands and runs decent routes, so I don’t see him losing this spot.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Starting Wide Receiver

Who: Arrelious Benn and Dezmon Briscoe

Winner: Briscoe

Reasoning

Benn’s spot is on hold for him, but it likely won’t be a starting spot.

ACL injuries are tough on receivers, and Benn hasn’t even played yet. Briscoe was great replacing him last year and has flashed those skills again in the preseason. He looks like a lock at this point.

Staying Power

Benn will get his reps if he’s healthy, but he’s going to have to work hard to unseat Briscoe. It seems as though Benn could eventually become a solid slot guy for the Bucs if nothing else.

Right now, however, it’s Briscoe’s job to lose.

New Orleans Saints' Starting Linebacker

Who: Scott Shanle and Jonathan Casillas

Winner: Casillas

Reasoning

Casillas is the younger guy, and he’s shown well in camp. The Saints can always go back to Shanle if it doesn’t work out, but the potential they’ve got in Casillas right now is hard to ignore.

I get the feeling they are looking for youth and athleticism right now.

Staying Power

If he keeps playing the way he has in the preseason, Casillas will be the starter for a long time. If he struggles, they can always go back to Shanle, who will still get a lot of time in situational areas and possibly on the opposite side where another battle is brewing.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Starting Linebacker

Who: Mason Foster and Tyrone McKenzie

Winner: Foster

Reasoning

Foster has the inside track. He’s got more upside and better potential, and he’s certainly having a bigger preseason.

I’m concerned about his discipline on the field, but he’s a hard-hitter, and Tampa Bay needs that on their defense.

Staying Power

Foster is the hand-picked guy. Tyrone McKenzie is in the mix, but he’s not playing up to Foster’s level yet.

As long as Foster keeps up his good work and reels in some of his heavy hits to make them legal, he could live up to his legend, Derrick Brooks.

Atlanta Falcons' Nickel Cornerback

Who: Dominique Franks, Chris Owens and Darrin Walls

Winner: Franks

Reasoning

Franks is more athletic than his competition, and Chris Owens is hurting and now being held out of Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh.

Franks is already the front-runner and could lock up the job, although Darrin Walls entering the fray could change the situation.

Staying Power

Franks has the ability to play a solid nickel in what could be a great defensive backfield for the Falcons. Owens can use a little more time to develop, and Walls could end up working as a special teams guy, then getting into a competition later on.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Nickel Cornerback

Who: Keenan Lewis and William Gay

Winner: Lewis

Reasoning

Lewis has outclassed Gay in every way this preseason.

While the notoriously secretive Mike Tomlin has not labeled this a competition, Lewis has made it so by finally showing he’s ready to be a part of this team’s future.

Pittsburgh needs good corners; Lewis seems to finally be living up to that billing.

Staying Power

Gay has been terrible in extended duty, so if Lewis can turn his excellent start to the preseason into a regular performance standard, Gay might not even be on the team.

The Steelers have a lot of young corners now in Pittsburgh. Gay is looking like he’s on the way out the door.

Washington Redskins' Second Wide Receiver

Who: Donte Stallworth, Jabar Gaffney, etc.

Winner: Stallworth

Reasoning

Right now, the team is listing Jabar Gaffney in this spot, but Gaffney is much better as a slot guy.

Stallworth has never really gotten his career going, but he has excellent skills and could benefit from being on a young team. He’s looked decent so far compared to his competition.

Staying Power

The Redskins' offense is all moving parts and confusion right now, so if coach Mike Shanahan feels like he can make a better season by shifting guys around, he will.

This looks like a team that’s going to probably run a more basic offense this year, so the second receiver spot is very important.

Green Bay Packers' Starting Running Back

Who: James Starks and Ryan Grant

Winner: Grant

Reasoning

James Starks was good last year after Grant got hurt.

Grant, however, is the team’s starter as long as he’s healthy. They’ve reworked his contract so he’s not as expensive, so it seems like they are going to bet on him to finally put together a full year.

Staying Power

The minute Grant’s hurt, however, Starks will be in there.

I’d also like to believe Starks will get a lot of carries this year as the team tries to keep Grant healthy and fresh. This could develop into a tandem, but I think Grant will get the majority of carries until an injury occurs.

Denver Broncos' Second Quarterback

Who: Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow

Winner: Quinn

Reasoning

Quinn has been more consistent for the Broncos in preseason mop-up duty. Tim Tebow has looked OK, but he’s still more of a runner than a true quarterback.

It’s going to be a while for him, and John Fox’s offense may not suit Tebow the way Josh McDaniels’ did.

Staying Power

The big question is, who moves up to start if Kyle Orton is eventually dealt?

Quinn failed as a starter for Cleveland, but seems to be learning and developing now in a lower-pressure situation.

Tebow just doesn’t seem ready to be an NFL starter yet.

Miami Dolphins' Starting Safety

Who: Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones

Winner: Clemons

Reasoning

Clemons has been there before. He won the competition last year and didn't play terribly.

The Dolphins would be wise to stick with experience on a rebuilding defense. They need the veteran leadership, and they need someone who understands the system.

Staying Power

Play will be a big factor here. If Jones gets some time and outplays Clemons, Tony Sparano could make the switch.

One thing is for certain. Sparano is coaching for his job this year. He'll do whatever it takes to put together some kind of successful season.

New York Giants' Starting Tight End

Who: Bear Pascoe, Daniel Coats, Travis Beckum, etc.

Winner: Coats

Reasoning

Coats is a good blocker. The Giants are undergoing an offensive line makeover, and they'll need help blocking for Ahmad Bradshaw and protecting Eli Manning.

I don't feel like Coats is the long-term answer, but they need someone to replace Kevin Boss

Staying Power

Very little.

I get the feeling this competition is won by the person who can help them most at the beginning and will become a rotation of whoever is needed.

Miami Dolphins' Starting Running Back

Who: Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas

Winner: Bush—for now

Reasoning

Bush has the experience, and he has the flash. The Dolphins tried this with Ricky Williams and won for a while; they could again.

The problem is Bush has never been a true running back. Now he's going to be heavily relied upon.

Staying Power

Touch and go. If Thomas really lights it up, he'll get more carries.

I feel that this is going to end up being a shared responsibility. I don't foresee Bush carrying a team; he doesn't have that kind of running skill. But he'll make plays and be dangerous.

Wildcat, anyone?

Indianapolis Colts' Starting Running Back

Who: Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, etc.

Winner: Brown

Reasoning

Addai has had his chance. He'll still be on the team and be a good change-of-pace guy.

Brown hasn't been particularly wonderful either, but he's fresh, and he could develop into a better back. He's also more sturdy than the injury-prone Addai.

Staying Power

It depends on performance.

If Brown can't get it done, they'll try Addai.

If Addai still can't, they'll go back to being a team that throws a lot of screens and short slants to mask their lack of a running game.

The problem is, I don't think they can win the Super Bowl that way.

Dallas Cowboys' Kicker

Who: David Buehler and Dan Bailey

Winner: Buehler

Reasoning

Experience wins in kicking.

Buehler needs to get more accurate, but Bailey doesn't have the credentials right now.

I get the feeling Dallas will give Buehler another chance and see if he can't be better now that kickers don't really have to fear kickoffs anymore.

Staying Power

Accuracy will make or break this one. If Buehler gets them through the uprights, he'll stay.

If he doesn't, he'll follow a long list of guys who couldn't cut it for the Cowboys at kicker.

Anyone remember Tim Sedar?

New England Patriots' Starting Tight End

Who: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez

Winner: Hernandez, by a hair

Reasoning

The Patriots are a passing team, and Hernandez is the better receiver.

I think Gronkowski will still get a lot of time, however. He's got a lot of talent, and he and Hernandez can form a nice tandem.

Hernandez needs to work on a little blocking, but it's not as big a deal for the Patriots as it would be somewhere else—like Pittsburgh.

Staying Power

Plenty. Hernandez was a favorite of Tom Brady last year and should be again. The Patriots are a little shaky at receiver beyond Wes Welker and Chad Ochocinco, so they need guys like Hernandez to step up and deliver.

New England Patriots' Second Quarterback

Who: Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer

Winner: Mallett

Reasoning

The Patriots are looking for a guy to groom. They love Mallett's talent, and Bill Belichick seems to be betting he can tame his off-field problems and on-field wildness.

Hoyer will land on his feet. He has starting talent and could go somewhere else.

This is a big battle mostly because the Patriots rarely keep a third quarterback.

Staying Power

A lot. Mallett was a higher draft pick, which means the team has invested in him. Tom Brady can't go on forever, and his lack of mobility will start to catch up with him as he gets older (see: Drew Bledsoe).

A guy like Mallett could be groomed for a few years, then take over.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Third Quarterback

Who: Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon

Winner: Dixon

Reasoning

Batch doesn't even seem to be in the conversation, but he's a fan favorite and locker room leader. It's going to be a hard cut to make and a hard sell to the fans who are irked by Dixon's actions before signing his tender.

Still, Dixon has more upside at this point.

Staying Power

The Steelers rarely use a third quarterback, but it can come in handy sometimes. Dixon will probably leave after the season, so maybe they are just showcasing him now to see if someone who needs a passer will take a shot on him in a trade.

Baltimore Ravens' Starting Cornerback

Who: Chris Carr, Jimmy Smith

Winner: Carr—for now

Reasoning

I'll give Carr the start of the regular season based solely on experience. He's not a long-term answer as a starter, but he's a great special teams guy and nickel corner.

Smith is the future for Baltimore. I think he'll work his way into the starting lineup by the end of the year.

Staying Power

Some. Carr was solid last year for an underrated secondary. He can make some plays.

The big key here is going to be how well Smith develops, and how fast he steps in and makes contributions when given the opportunity.

St. Louis Rams' Second Wide Receiver

Who: Mike Sims-Walker, Donnie Avery, every other receiver on the roster

Winner: Avery

Reasoning

Mike Sims-Walker is good and will probably be the team's slot receiver.

But Avery, if healthy, should start. He was electrifying before his injury and should be huge once again now that he's healthy.

If he can't go, Sims-Walker is the guy.

Staying Power

It's going to be close between Avery and Sims-Walker, so if one gets it and struggles, they'll flip them.

Both should be solid contributors and, as we've said, receivers are a muddled puzzle anyway.

Oakland Raiders' Starting Wide Receiver

Who: Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore

Winner: Heyward-Bey

Reasoning

Moore is the better athlete and the better receiver.

Unfortunately, this is the Raiders. They've long been in love with Bey's potential.

The problem is that it's taking an awfully long time to show up. It looks like he'll get another year.

Staying Power

Receivers can go any which way. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jason Campbell start targeting Moore more often as the season progresses. It's likely Moore might be their most productive receiver at season's end.

Baltimore Ravens' Starting Tight End

Who: Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson

Winner: Too close to call so far

Reasoning

Yeah, that's a cop-out.

It really is close, though. Either guy is going to have a hard time replacing Todd Heap.

Right now, I get the feeling Dickson could be the guy, so if you want a winner, I'll go with him for now.

But both are getting long looks so far.

Staying Power

I get the feeling that Baltimore will draft a tight end higher next year. They've been working on revamping their receivers, and they use tight ends a lot in that capacity.

We may see Ray Rice get more work as a receiver this year.

Cincinnati Bengals' Second Wide Receiver

Who: Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, etc.

Winner: Caldwell

Reasoning

Caldwell has put up the more consistent numbers in his short career.

The Bengals are totally rebuilding an offense that is going to have a ton of new starters. Whoever wins this battle will be catching passes from a rookie and playing across from another.

Staying Power

All three guys listed are going to get a lot of work. The question will be, how well will Andy Dalton be able to read defenses?

If he progresses there, we'll see a lot more competition for catches. If not, the second receiver and A.J. Green will be the primary targets.

Chicago Bears' Starting Wide Receiver

Who: Johnny Knox and Roy Williams

Winner: Knox

Reasoning

Knox is younger, faster and more reliable.

Williams is out of shape and has never duplicated the success of his first couple years in Detroit. He's more likely to be cut than to even make the team at this point.

They're better off going with Knox, who's developing.

Staying Power

I like Knox a lot. He's an underrated guy who could blossom into a star this season as long as he wins the job.

If he does, I think he'll hold on to it for a while and become a guy whom Jay Cutler can rely on for big plays.

New England Patriots' Defensive Line Rotation

Who: Every defensive linemen not named Vince Wilfork

Winner(s): Shaun Ellis and Albert Haynesworth—for now

Reasoning

Getting Haynesworth defies reason, so why not just play him?

He's a big tackle who's best in a 4-3 alignment. If anyone can sort him out, it's Belichick and the Patriots, but even they've been getting that same old song and dance.

Staying Power

I get the feeling that the Patriots would be better to continue the defensive youth movement and use a guy like Ellis in a platoon.

If it were me, I'd cut Haynesworth altogether.

Of course, I also wouldn't have acquired him.

Indianapolis Colts' Second Quarterback

Who: Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter

Winner: Painter

Reasoning

If they're smart, they'll listen to Reggie Wayne.

This isn't a simple offense. If Peyton Manning isn't under center at the beginning of the year, Painter needs to be in there.

Kerry Collins has nothing left (we saw that last year) and certainly isn't going to be ready in a couple weeks.

Staying Power

None. Manning will be back and will take over when ready.

The interesting thing will be if Collins makes it out of camp. The Colts would be better off acquiring Dennis Dixon or Brian Hoyer and letting them learn behind Manning once he's back.