~~With the preseason in full swing, the NFL community is rabid for games with scores that matter. Watching fan-favorite players do what they know best for only a quarter or a few series a game is not what the average fan wants from a contest. Watching Peyton Manning take the Broncos down the field for six to see Brock Osweiler take the field on the next series is entertaining in theory, but not so much between the hashes.

From a fantasy perspective, this time of year can be equally frustrating as owners spend more time worrying about injury than their players’ performance. So what stock should we keep in the preseason games?

The most important facet of the preseason is the resolution of position battles. Therefore, running back handcuffs, slot receivers, and returners are the spots to watch this time of year. As far as starters or schemes are concerned, teams are not going to reveal much, if any, of their game plans to be used during the regular season.

Another group to watch is the rookies. Carlos Hyde and Tre Mason are rookie rushers fighting for their role with their respective teams. Odell Beckham is in a similar position in New York, fighting with veteran Rueben Randle for a chance to crack the starting lineup. It is important to watch new players on different teams and rookies than veterans this time of year.

Watching Blake Bortles dismantle team’s third-string defenses means nothing as he will likely sit out for a full year. The same goes with Nick Foles two-interception performance against the Bears, what does it really matter? Veterans are mailing it in at this stage, simply trying to avoid injury.

Fantasy owners should watch the preseason the same way teams and coaches do: decide position battles, avoid injury, and make it to the regular season with some idea of what is to come.