As NFL teams report to training camps across the country, intense position battles will determine starting jobs and roster spots and ultimately shape the 2024 NFL Training Camp Battles season. These competitions often reveal hidden gems, expose roster weaknesses, and create unexpected fantasy football values. In this 2,000+ word definitive guide, we analyze the most crucial training camp battles that will impact:
✔ Starting quarterback controversies
✔ Running back committees being decided
✔ Wide receiver depth chart shakeups
✔ Offensive line configurations
✔ Defensive scheme adjustments
✔ Fantasy football sleepers emerging from battles
Let’s dive into the most compelling position battles to watch during 2024 NFL training camps.
Quarterback Battles With Major Implications
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields
Why It Matters:
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Steelers’ first true QB competition in 20 years
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Wilson’s experience vs. Fields’ athletic upside
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Winner gets weapons like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth
Latest Intel:
Wilson taking first-team reps but Fields closing gap (NFL Newsz)
Fantasy Impact:
Fields offers higher ceiling if he wins job
2. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix vs. Jarrett Stidham
Key Factors:
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Sean Payton’s system favors Nix’s quick release
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Stidham has experience in the offense
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Broncos may want to develop first-round pick Nix
Stat to Watch:
Nix’s 77.4% completion rate at Oregon
Running Back Committees Up for Grabs
3. Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White vs. Alexander Mattison
Battle Breakdown:
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White showed promise in 2023 (4.3 YPC)
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Mattison familiar with OC Luke Getsy’s system
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Winner could get 250+ carries
X-Factor:
Rookie Dylan Laube’s pass-catching ability
According to the official NFL website, Raiders RBs combined for just 3.9 YPC last season.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott vs. Rico Dowdle
Surprise Competition:
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Elliott returning on team-friendly deal
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Dowdle averaged 4.1 YPC in limited work
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Cowboys may use true committee approach
Fantasy Verdict:
Avoid until clear starter emerges
Wide Receiver Depth Chart Battles
5. New England Patriots: Javon Baker vs. Ja’Lynn Polk
Why It’s Critical:
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Drake Maye needs reliable targets
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Baker’s contested catch ability vs. Polk’s route running
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Could determine Patriots’ WR1
Training Camp Buzz:
Baker connecting with Maye daily (NFL Newsz)
6. Kansas City Chiefs: Rashee Rice vs. Hollywood Brown
X Receiver Role:
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Rice suspended first 2 games
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Brown needs to prove he’s more than deep threat
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Winner gets Patrick Mahomes’ trust
Stat That Matters:
Rice had 79.3% catch rate as rookie
Offensive Line Competitions
7. Dallas Cowboys: Left Tackle Battle
Contenders:
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Tyler Smith (moving from guard)
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Matt Waletzko (2022 draft pick)
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Rookie Cooper Beebe
Stakes:
Protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside
8. Cincinnati Bengals: Right Tackle
Options:
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Jackson Carman
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Cody Ford
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Amarius Mims (rookie)
Joe Burrow’s Health Depends On:
Finding consistent pass protection
Defensive Position Battles
9. Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback #2
Competitors:
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Kelee Ringo
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Eli Ricks
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Cooper DeJean (rookie)
Why It Matters:
Opposite Darius Slay in pass-happy NFC East
10. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Rusher
Candidates:
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Odafe Oweh
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David Ojabo
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Kyle Van Noy
Replacing:
Jadeveon Clowney’s 9.5 sacks
Fantasy Football Implications
Position Battle Winners to Target:
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Justin Fields (if Steelers starter)
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Zamir White (if Raiders lead back)
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Javon Baker (if Patriots WR1)
Avoid Until Clarity:
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Broncos backfield
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Cowboys running backs
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Chiefs WRs not named Brown/Rice
Historical Training Camp Battle Outcomes
Recent Winners Who Mattered:
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2023: Jordan Love over Tim Boyle
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2022: Geno Smith over Drew Lock
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2021: Mac Jones over Cam Newton
Lessons Learned:
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Coachspeak often misleading
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Preseason snaps tell true story
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Veteran bias sometimes overruled
How These Battles Will Shape the 2024 Season
The outcomes will 2024 NFL Training Camp Battles:
✅ Determine playoff teams’ offensive identities
✅ Create unexpected fantasy football values
✅ Expose roster weaknesses before Week 1
✅ Reveal coaching staff’s true preferences
Bookmark NFL Newsz for daily training camp battle updates!
Read More: 2024 NFL Offensive Line Rankings: The Most Dominant Trenches
Key Takeaways
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Steelers QB battle most consequential for 2024
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Raiders RB competition could produce fantasy steal
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Patriots WRs may determine Drake Maye’s development
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Chiefs WR pecking order vital for Mahomes
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Training camp battles often predict breakout stars
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