It doesn't matter if you're a fantasy football fan, a huge fan of your favorite team, or are planning to place NFL wagers in 2021. The preseason is all about figuring out who will win the key position battles.There are three teams that have quarterback battles: the New Orleans Saints (New England Patriots), Denver Broncos (New England Patriots), and the New England Patriots (New England Patriots). The Washington Football Team and the San Francisco 49ers are expanding their wide receiver roster. The NFL is busy settling their offensive line. The linebacker position is a competition for the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and Cleveland Browns.NFL Nation reporters breakdown the most important competitions at training camp for all 32 teams.Jump to:ATLCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDKCNOTBAFC EASTCornerbackWhile offensive guard and defensive end are worthy mentions, the battle between Levi Wallace & Dane Jackson was mentioned at the start of training camp by Leslie Frazier, the defensive coordinator. Wallace has been the Bills' regular starter for the past three seasons, and has resisted any attempts to take his job -- and he has done it again with Jackson over the past two weeks. Jackson, however, is a playmaker who could make a strong case for himself in the preseason. Marcel Louis-JacquesCenterAfter Matt Skura was signed in free agency, this wasn't the position battle Dolphins fans were expecting. As the Dolphins search for the best five linemen, Michael Deiter is also enjoying a steady run. This battle will continue in Miami for the next few weeks. -- Jeremy FowlerQuarterbackAlthough Bill Belichick stated that Cam Newton will be the starting quarterback, he also said that everyone is welcome and that there's no guarantee that any player will be selected for the depth chart. Nothing is guaranteed. It seems that Mac Jones is coming along well, with the preseason opener against Washington being another important checkpoint. -- Mike ReissRight tackleIt's George Fant, the incumbent, versus Morgan Moses who was recently signed. He has the edge due to his years of experience and consistent performances. Fant started slowly because he missed eight practices (COVID-19) but he returned Saturday and will likely be back for the rest of the competition. You should expect a quick resolution. The starting five need as many reps possible. Moses will provide stability, unless there is an upset. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHESPN offers fantasy football for free. ESPN has more people playing on ESPN than any other site. Create or join a league in the No. 1. Fantasy Football game Register now for a free accountGuard leftThis is the most important question mark in Ravens' rebuild offensive line. Ben Cleveland, Tyre Phillips, and Ben Powers will be competing for the left guard position after Bradley Bozeman moved to center. Because he has impressed more since full-padded practice began, Cleveland, a third-round burley rookie pick, is the favourite to win the job. "He's stepped into here, and has embraced all we've asked of him," Ravens offensive coach Joe D'Alessandris stated. "He's doing one hellu job." -- Jamison HensleyGuard rightThe Bengals are still looking for the right-side starter guard to keep Joe Burrow upright. This competition includes veteran Xavier Su'aFilo and rookie Jackson Carman. Jackson Carman was the second-round draft pick of the team. Jackson Carman played left tackle at Clemson. Carman began training camp in the bottom of the depth chart. Su'a-Filo is smart enough to seize his chances even if the rookie isn’t. -- Ben BabyLinebackerCamp's only position competition is at linebacker. Initiates Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki and Jacob Phillips are trying to defend Anthony Walker and rookie Jeremiah Owusu–Koramoah, who missed camp due to being on the reserve/COVID-19 roster. Walker seems to have his starting job locked up in spite of a minor knee injury. This leaves a series of fierce battles to determine who will be the Browns' remaining linebacking corps. Jake TrotterBackup quarterbackThe competition between Dwayne Hakins and Mason Rudolph could indicate the direction of the quarterback spot if Ben Roethlisberger retires. However, neither of these guys will be playing in significant time during the regular season. Rudolph is the only quarterback currently under contract in 2022. However, Haskins has a chance to rebuild his reputation in Pittsburgh and bring his career, which began as a first round pick, back on track. The No. 2 spot will go to the winner. If this is Roethlisberger's last season, the winner of the No. -- Brooke PryorAFC SOUTHRunning backAfter reorganizing David Johnson's contract, the Texans now have a crowded runningback room. They also added veteran backs Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingram II to their roster. Johnson, who was last year's starter in the running back position, will likely fill another role similar to Duke Johnson's in 2020 with Lindsay as the starter. Ingram's leadership has been praised by Coach David Culley... Houston could keep all four running backs! -- Sarah BarshopAfter the Houston Texans revamped its RB corps, veteran David Johnson will likely take over a new role in 2021. Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon SportswireQuarterbackCarson Wentz's job is not at stake. If Wentz doesn't recover from his foot injury, who will take over Week 1? Jacob Eason is the primary candidate and Sam Ehlinger is the second. Eason, in his second year of college, is being given every chance to win the job. However, Ehlinger, who was first-team reps on Tuesday, is still in the mix. Eason's rookie Ehlinger may not have the same arm strength, but he is much more adept at making quick decisions with the ball. This has impressed many within the organization. Mike WellsOffensive tackleWalker Little, a second-round pick, has shown great promise in camp. Jawaan Taylor right tackle and Cam Robinson left tackle should be aware. Urban Meyer stated that both Walker Little and Robinson must be better than last season. According to ESPN Stats & Information Taylor surrendered 18 sacks while Robinson gave up nine. Robinson's fifth-year option was picked up by the Jaguars and he will be paid $13.75million in 2021. However, it is not certain that he will start if Little continues to impress. Little played left tackle at Stanford. Mike DiRoccoRight tackleThe once three-man race has now expanded to include veteran tackle David Quessenberry. Kendall Lamm, a free-agent, appears to be the best candidate for the opening spot in the season opener. Ty Sambrailo has not done much because of injury. It would be ideal for Dillon Radunz to take the position. However, he has been asked to play several spots and has struggled. Turron DavenportAFC WESTQuarterbackVic Fangio stated that he has not seen any separation between Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater during the first week at training camp. They are both very important as they will be having joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings two days prior to facing the Vikings in their preseason opener. Lock and Bridgewater have had equal snaps with offensive starters. While each has had their moments when they seemed like the answer to the question, neither of them has been able to string those days together. These turnovers could be a major factor in the team's performance last season, which saw them have the highest turnover margin of six points. Fangio will then name a starter. -- Jeff LegwoldOffensive lineThere are eight valid roster candidates for the Chiefs who were not with the team last season, which makes for interesting competitions for roster spots and starting jobs. The Chiefs will likely have a rookie at center (Creed Humphrey), right-guard (Trey Smith) or right tackle (Lucas Niang) when they leave training camp. They must make the right decisions, no matter what the Chiefs do. Their line is too strong to fail. -- Adam TeicherNickel cornerGus Bradley, the new DC, has essentially a nickel defense. Nevin Lawson, the fifth DB, has been receiving the majority of the first-team reps, but he will be suspended for two games to begin the season. The fifth-round draft pick Nate Hobbs, however, has been impressive through the offseason program and the first two weeks camp. This sets up an interesting matchup. Is Lawson still being run by the Raiders, even though he is not eligible to start the season? Or does Hobbs, a rookie, get more time? Amik Robertson, second-year corner, has also shown flashes in the slot. -- Paul GutierrezKickerIn 2020, Michael Badgley missed 12 kicks total - nine field goals and three more points. Alex Kessman, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, and Tristan Vizcaino (who was last season with the 49ers) were brought in by the Chargers. Brandon Staley, Coach, believes in working in real-time on the kicking game. Badgley will be fighting for his job. Shelley SmithNFC EASTLinebackerThe group appears to be as deep and diverse as ever. It will be interesting to see how Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator, divides up the work. Last season, Jaylon Smith was responsible for 97.8%. It would be amazing if it was that high again. It's not because Smith isn't necessarily the reason, but because Quinn wants to offer different looks and packages. Micah Parsons was their first-round pick this year. He had a solid camp and played from many spots. Leighton VanderEsch, their No. Leighton Vander Esch, their No. 1 pick in 2018, looks as good as when he was in the Pro Bowl. Keanu Neal is making a seamless transition from safety to linebacker, and Quinn has his trust. Given how often they will be using a sub-package, those are four players who can mix in for two spots. Quinn will be able to play a variety of roles because Parsons and Smith are quick from the outside. -- Todd ArcherRight tackleMatt Peart, a second-year tackle, is being given every opportunity to be the starting right handle. But veteran Nate Solder lurks. Solder looks good after last season's opt-out. He could be the starter in Week 1 against Denver, but it would be foolish to dismiss him. Solder seems to have been getting more reps on the first team in recent weeks. -- Jordan RaananRunning backThe competition at left tackle was what we were watching entering camp. But Jordan Mailata seems to have a significant lead over Andre Dillard. Now the focus shifts to running back. Miles Sanders needs to be sorted out. Boston Scott and rookie Kenneth Gainwell are fighting for snaps while Kerryon Johnson, Jordan Howard and Jason Huntley vie for places on the 53-man roster. This position group is important in the preseason. Tim McManusWide receiverWashington's receiving depth is far greater than it was a year ago. Many of the fringe players this season would have been locked in 2020. It could keep six players, but it would only be Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Adam Humphries and Dyami Brown are the first five, while Cam Sims would be the fifth. This means that players like Kelvin Harmon and Antonio Gandy Golden, DeAndre Carter, DeAndre Carter, and rookie Dax Milne will be fighting for one or two spots. Carter could be a dual-returner. Gandy-Golden is a fourth-round selection in 2020. He has shown flashes. Sims and Harmon both had good moments at camp, and Milne is someone they want to continue developing. They will likely lose someone they wish to keep but didn't have the space. John KeimNFC NORTHLeft tackleTeven Jenkins, a rookie second-rounder, was originally planned to be the Bears' left tackle in Week 1. Jenkins, a rookie second-round pick, has been sidelined by a back injury since training camp began. This raises questions about his availability for the regular season. Veteran Elijah Wilkinson was next, having previously played left tackle in practice before being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 roster. The Bears chose rookie fifth-round selection Larry Borom to replace Jenkins and Wilkinson on the left side, as Wilkinson was unable to play. Jeff DickersonTeven Jenkins, a rookie second-round pick, suffered a back injury and there are many questions about the Bears' left tackle position as they enter preseason. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY SportsInside linebacker/safetyFans should first pay attention to the positional battle between safety and inside linebacker. These are the most crucial battles, says Dan Campbell, first-year Lions coach. Why? "I don't just mean starting. Campbell stated that Campbell is referring to who will be the next guy in. If you understand what I mean, we could have three starters. They rotate through. There can be four of them. It will all play into the success of special teams, particularly in this position. 2020 was the worst year for the Lions' defense. To make an impact at camp, they will need to have key players in these roles such as Will Harris and Tracy Walker at safety and inside linebackers Jamie Collins Sr. and Alex Anzalone. Eric WoodyardOffensive lineWhat is more important than Aaron Rodgers being upright? David Bakhtiari, left tackle, is not likely to be free from January's ACL surgery in time for the opener. Pro Bowl left guard Elgton Jones will take over as tackle. The two guard spots are being contested by Lucas Patrick, a returning starter, and second-year pros Jon Runyan Jr. (Ben Braden). Runyan, a rookie, played 160 snaps while Braden only played four (all kneel downs), but it was a close race. While Patrick and Runyan have been the most popular combination, Braden is still in the mix. It's crucial that the Packers have a solid front five. Josh Myers, the second round pick of the Packers, is added to the mix as Corey Linsley signed in free agency with the Chargers. Rob DemovskyGuard rightThe interior of the offensive line was responsible for 20 of the 39 sacks Kirk Cousins received last season. This led the Vikings and Vikings to increase their center Garrett Bradbury's personnel. Ezra Cleveland was moved to left guard. This created a competition for right guard. Dakota Dozier and Oli Udoh split reps with the first-team offensive lines during the first two weeks. Udoh may have the advantage right now, but his length and position fit make Wyatt Davis a possibility. The third-rounder could be a candidate for right guard, based on his strong performance in preseason games. Courtney CroninNFC SOUTHRight tackleIt is simple because this question has been asked throughout camp. Although it might not be resolved until Kaleb McGary is back from the PUP, third-round pick Jalen Maifield seemed to be in a good place to get the job. Mayfield was removed from the first five campers on Friday. Willie Beavers took his place for every first-team snap on Saturday. Coach Arthur Smith stated that Beavers had earned the position through practice and that he wanted competition. However, if this continues throughout the week, it will create a real competition for right tackle for at most a short time. -- Michael RothsteinLeft tackleSince Jordan Gross' retirement in 2013, this has been a rotating door. Cameron Erving, a free-agent signing, is the first to go. Trent Scott and Greg Little also take turns on the first team. Taylor Moton, right tackle, has seen some practice there, so you don't have to rule him out completely. However, his strength is on the right side. This will be decided in preseason games, and Erving appears to have the edge. However, Sam Darnold's health is crucial to his success. -- David NewtonQuarterbackThis is a very obvious one in New Orleans where Drew Brees' retirement has resulted in a job opening for the Saints. (It's too close to call so far between Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill. They have both done well in practice, taking turns with the first string. The QBs aren’t the only ones with voids. There are also major voids in the CB and WR positions. The Saints expect at least 10 new starters for Week 1. Mike TriplettWide receiverYou did read it correctly. Bucs camp's most important battle is for the position group with the Pro Bowlers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Hear me. It's not who wins the starting job. It's where Bruce Arians, the coach, and Jason Licht, the GM make it. Scotty Miller and Scotty Mickens will, no doubt, make the team. Jaydon Mickens and rookie Jaelon darden are behind them. Tyler Johnson, Travis Jonsen, Cyril Grayson, Jaydon Mickens and Travis Jonsen are also there (Justin Watson will be out for three more months with a knee injury). How many can they keep? Mickens has had an outstanding camp. Darden continues getting a lot of first-team reps. They're also excited about Jonsen. This could mean that Johnson, who played three games last year, might be the odd man out. Johnson was already criticized by Arians for not being in good shape when he arrived at camp, so he has to get out of the doghouse. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTInside linebackerAlthough it might not seem like this is the most crucial position battle at training camps, first-round draft Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, last year's first round pick, were chosen as starters. Jordan Hicks, a fellow linebacker is pushing them both every day to show he's still worthy for a starting job -- the same job he held the past two seasons. Although it might not make a difference in Arizona's minds, Hicks will continue to push the two young men as hard as possible for that job. -- Josh WeinfussOutside linebackerAlthough most of their starting roles were covered by the Rams, questions remain about Leonard Floyd's outside linebacker position. Justin Hollins (a 2019 fifth-round draft pick) and Ogbonnia OKoronkwo (a 2018 fifth-round selection), are both competing for the job. Hollins seems to be the frontrunner for the job. It seems more likely that Hollins and McVay will share the role in a rotation. Sean McVay, Rams coach, said that Justin Hollins was a man who used all of the things he did well last year and that he has continued to grow and be excited about him. Ogbo has a lot more ability than he looks. Hollins recorded three sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass defense in 16 games last year. Okoronkwo's 20-game record over the last two seasons includes 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass deduction. -- Lindsey ThiryWide receiverThe Niners don't have a lot of receivers, other than starters Deebo Sampson and Brandon Aiyuk. The potential roster candidates bring a mixture of experience (Mohamed Sanu Jr., Travis Benjamin, Richie James Jr.) and potential (Jalenhurd, Jauan Jenningss, Trent Sherfield). Sanu, who is still recovering from ankle surgery, looks like a strong candidate for the role. The Niners aren't using three-receiver sets as often as other league teams (29th in 2020), but it's important that they have an option for the position and also to determine a hierarchy of options in the event of Samuel or Aiyuk being injured. -- Nick WagonerCenterPete Carroll stated that Kyle Fuller would have a chance to win the job, even though Seattle signed Ethan Pocic who was there last season. Pocic's previous experience and $3 million contract made him the clear favourite heading into camp. However, he was unable to participate in the first few days due to a hamstring injury he had recently re-aggravated. The gap between these two isn't as large as it was a few weeks back. -- Brady Henderson
