Entering training camp, starting positions across the league remain up for grabs, available to the players who shine brightest over the next several weeks. Here are the quarterback position battles that fantasy owners should watch closely during preseason action:

49ers — Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith
Just when you thought he was gone, Smith has returned from the fantasy dead to challenge for the Niners’ starting job. After missing all of last season with a broken bone in his shoulder, the 2005 No. 1 overall pick made shocking strides in offseason workouts and has nearly pulled even with Hill, the incumbent. Although Hill played very effectively in ’08, averaging 234 yards and 1.5 TDs in his eight starts, the 49ers’ coaching staff has refused to hand him the starting spot, instead forcing him to contend for it in camp. Things are close enough here that it likely will take a few exhibition games to sort out, but it’s very possible that a fantasy sleeper could emerge in San Fran.
Predicted winner: Hill

Vikings — Sage Rosenfels vs. Tarvaris Jackson
Now that Brett Favre has made it official that he won’t return this season to play for the Vikings, the battle for the Minnesota starting job comes down to Rosenfels and Jackson. Acquired in an offseason trade and then signed to a three-year contract, Rosenfels would seem to be the favorite given his accurate arm and ability to get the ball downfield. But he also takes a lot of chances, which might not be what the Vikes want in their run-first, fairly conservative offense. He’ll certainly get a run for his money from Jackson, who is a younger, more mobile option under center. Fantasy owners probably should be pulling for Rosenfels, who’s put up decent numbers in his limited action and would have some value as a fantasy backup.
Predicted winner: Rosenfels

Browns — Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson
Going into training camp, very little separates Quinn and Anderson in their fight to captain the Browns’ attack. Quinn, a first-round selection in 2007, appears to be the narrow front-runner following offseason workouts. Although he didn’t excel, he at least he stayed healthy, which is more than Anderson can say. Not only was the fifth-year signalcaller shaky in practice, but he also suffered a calf injury that sidelined him for a couple days. In a battle in which every detail matters, that one could go a long way in deciding the victor. Expect new head coach Eric Mangini to wait until deep in the preseason before naming a starter. For fantasy owners, it’s probably best to steer clear of this situation, especially with Cleveland’s lack of offensive talent.
Predicted winner: Quinn

Jets — Mark Sanchez vs. Kellen Clemens
The battle between Sanchez, the fifth overall pick in the 2009 draft, and the veteran Clemens might be the most intriguing of the preseason. On the surface, it appears that Sanchez would have the clear advantage — after all, he basically has been New York royalty since arriving in April — but the competition is actually pretty tight. Although Clemens certainly hasn’t shined as a pro, with five TDs and 11 interceptions in his three seasons, he outperformed the USC star in offseason workouts, committing fewer turnovers and showing a firm grasp of the offense. Regardless of who emerges, neither QB will have a ton of fantasy value playing in a ball-control offense that will revolve around the run.
Predicted winner: Sanchez

Buccaneers — Luke McCown vs. Byron Leftwich vs. Josh Freeman
Of all the QB battles entering ’09, none is as messy as the Bucs’, which features two uninspiring veterans and a rookie probably not ready for the NFL spotlight. While nobody separated from the pack in minicamp, McCown did not flop as badly as Leftwich, who struggled to get rid of the ball or make accurate throws. That alone gives the 28-year-old McCown the slightest of edges, even though he didn’t exactly show a keen understanding of Tampa Bay’s new offense, either. Freeman, the team's first-round pick, is obviously the club’s QB of the future, but GM Mark Dominik has publicly stated that the Kansas State product would benefit from sitting on the bench for a while. Whether it’s McCown or Leftwich, don’t consider the Bucs’ starter as more than a No. 3 fantasy QB.
Predicted winner: McCown

Lions — Daunte Culpepper vs. Matthew Stafford
Had it been any other team, Stafford probably would be a Week One starter. But with the 0-16 Lions, the No. 1 selection in the ’09 draft almost surely will begin the season on the sideline. Not wanting to throw its franchise QB to the wolves, Detroit is expected to allow the veteran Culpepper to start the season under center before handing Stafford the reigns. Culpepper still will have to fend off the rookie, however, as a strong training camp by the Georgia product could have team brass reconsidering. In the end, Culpepper’s familiarity with Scott Linehan’s offense likely will win out, though he’ll be far from a reliable fantasy option.
Predicted winner: Culpepper

Tuesday: Fantasy position battles: RBs

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.