July 4, 2016

Pierre Camus breaks down which position battles fantasy football owners should monitor at each offensive position for the 2016 season.

Every year, fantasy football players enter training camp with questions about depth charts that will be answered in August that will have an impact on a number of players and their respective fantasy values and ADP.

In part two of this article, I will continue to look at some of the most intriguing camp battles for fantasy football in 2016. You can see part one here.

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Six Depth Chart Battles To Monitor

Kansas City RB2: Charcandrick West vs. Spencer Ware

Jamaal Charles will be the undisputed starter and is set to return as a top fantasy running back in Kansas City. Of course, that's assuming he returns to full health. Regardless, Charles should be spelled more frequently this season, so his backup may see close to 10 carries per game. Both West and Ware had their moments in 2015 and they delivered fantasy value in limited opportunities. Ware had three games of double-digit fantasy points, including 76 rushing yards and a touchdown in the all-important week 16. West had four such games, although he finished just shy of four yards per carry on the year and had back-to-back uninspiring performances during the fantasy playoffs. West is considered the favorite, as Andy Reid seems more impressed with his skill set, but Ware was more consistent late in the season. If Charles misses any time, one of these backs will immediately be an RB2 in all formats.

New York Giants WR2: Victor Cruz vs. Sterling Shepard

Although there were several receivers drafted earlier than Shepard, he is the only one playing in the Big Apple. Shepard will be expected to immediately step in as Reuben Randle's replacement. Not exactly huge shoes to fill, but we are talking about a starting job opposite OBJ, catching passes from Eli Manning. There's also Victor Cruz - remember him? Cruz came two yards shy of posting three straight 1,000 yard seasons and scored 23 TD between 2011-2013. The past two years have been filled with injuries and failed recovery attempts, but Cruz may be ready to regain his form after sitting all of 2015 out. Cruz has declared himself ready for training camp - cue standard line about being in best condition of career and being ready to contribute. Oddly enough, the rookie seems like the safer bet considering Cruz's health issues, but Cruz has an established rapport with Manning and won't need to learn the offense. This is a unique situation, but whoever proves ready to play with the starting offense will have great fantasy value.

Dallas WR2: Terrance Williams vs. Brice Butler

Williams enters the year as the #2 receiver opposite Dez Bryant. A choice spot from a fantasy standpoint to be sure, but Williams has not quite lived up to expectations as he enters his fourth season in the NFL. Last year's disappointing season can be excused, as he had to catch passes from Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden and Kellen Moore. Still, the Cowboys expect more from the former third-round pick who will become a free agent at the end of the year. Brice Butler has a tantalizing size/speed combo and could slide in as a replacement mid-year if Williams underwhelms. The Cowboys might see him as a replacement for Williams, which means they'll want to give him as much game-time experience as possible. Although Williams should retain his starting spot, keep an eye on Butler to see how hard he pushes him.

Green Bay WR3: Ty Montgomery vs. Davante Adams vs. Jeff Janis

Simply put, catching passes from Aaron Rodgers is a good thing. Adams had a golden opportunity last season and was a popular pre-draft sleeper after Jordy Nelson was declared out for the season. He responded by catching barely half his targets and totaling 483 yards with one touchdown. Ty Montgomery enters his second season with a chance to push for more playing time. He posted a 78.9% catch percentage in six games, but a high ankle sprain kept him out the rest of the season. Jeff Janis will make his biggest impact on special teams, but could become a pass-catching option if he can prove he has reliable hands and stays healthy - something the other two options have not done.

Jacksonville WR3: Marqise Lee vs. Rashad Greene

It was supposed to be Marqise Lee starting opposite Allen Robinson and posting huge numbers in the Jags' young offense. Instead, undrafted free agent Allen Hurns took advantage of Lee's injuries and has become a top 15 fantasy receiver. Keep in mind that Lee, a 2nd round selection three years ago, was 4th in Heisman voting and posted 118 receptions for 1,721 yards as a sophomore at USC. His NFL career has consisted of 613 yards over two seasons combined. We need to see if Lee is capable of repeating his college form or if he peaked at age 21. Greene was catching passes from Jameis Winston in the National Championship game not long ago, but was brought in mainly as a deep threat and return man. If Lee proves to be a bust in his third year, Greene could become the third wide receiver in a dangerous Jaguars passing game.

Washington WR3: Josh Doctson vs. Jamison Crowder

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