Michael Lewis suggests that a change of scenery might be just what Scott Mitchell needs to resurrect his career.

You can just see the official Miami Dolphins application form.

Complete with that helmet-wearing porpoise printed on top, it sits neatly filled-out on a desk cluttered with complex playbooks, scattered Super Bowl rings, and more hair-care products than the local salon.

Name: Karim Abdul-Jabbar
Age: 25
Education: UCLA
NFL Experience: 3 years
Accomplishments: 2,968 career rushing yards, 32 touchdowns
Position applying for: Starting running back

Knowing the way head coach Jimmy Johnson approaches training camp -- with every job being won on the field every year -- this would be no more an alarming sight than the extra bottle of gel by the Gatorade jug at Pro Player Stadium.

As with the Dolphins, all 31 NFL teams have starting positions available this fall, and every throw, catch, drop, juke, hit, kick, and mistackle of July and August will work toward filling these precious few spots. Some will be earned by outstanding play, others determined by injury or salary cap.

To fantasy football owners, these battles are more than just a reason to watch football in August (when nothing counts). These are battles for fantasy value, players working their way up and down draft boards and jumping the fine line separating "sleeper" and "bust".

So gather up your early season cheat sheets, and let's start by taking a pre-training camp look at the fantasy quarterback battles. (Look for the Bulldozer's Running Back and Receiver battle reports coming soon…)

QUARTERBACKS

While coaches are usually hesitant to declare this position open -- often naming starters after spring mini-camps -- they are much less hesitant in today's NFL to make a switch to the hot-handed slinger. Ask the likes of Glenn Foley and Rob Johnson about the term "opening-day starter". By Week 2, all bets are off.

Open Battles
KENT GRAHAM vs. KERRY COLLINS
Outlook: The Giants spent a great deal of money on Collins, too much to keep him on the bench. With all of his problems, the Giants hope the talent is worth the headache. Graham has not been exciting, but has shown signs of consistent, veteran play. Compared to his N.Y. predecessors, that is exciting. This should be a good battle late into August.

Fantasy Value: The loss of veteran receiver Chris Calloway to Atlanta might be inconsequential. For the Giants, where Calloway fit like a glove, there will be consequences. Combine an average running game with young receivers and a conservative coach, and it's hard to see the winner of this fight being anything helpful to your fantasy team.

'Dozer's Take: Collins should be starting soon, and there is a chance that with Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard stepping up early, New York might rally behind him, and Collins could respond with some good numbers. Don't count on it, though. New York can just as quickly turn on him, and Collins isn't likely to take that in stride. Watch this roller coaster in amusement.

SCOTT MITCHELL vs. TONY BANKS
Outlook: Call this the last-chance battle. Mitchell hasn't been good since '95, and finally lost his job to rookie Charlie Batch in '98 after being downright bad. With a good supporting cast, Banks has shown flashes of skill and leadership, the rest of the time showing only some great highlight fumbles.

Fantasy Value: Even with questions at both running back and receiver, any coach whose offense set new scoring records deserves the benefit of the doubt. Brian Billick is probably going to salvage the career of at least one of these guys in Baltimore, and both are capable of putting up some big numbers.

'Dozer's Take: At least early on, Mitchell should be the guy. Banks needs grooming and experience, Mitchell may just need a good playbook, and Billick has one. If you're forced to get your backup QB late, Mitchell could be worth it.

Starters Feeling Some Heat
ELVIS GRBAC vs. WARREN MOON
Outlook: Kansas City is fast learning a couple of things: San Francisco quarterbacks play great in San Francisco, and there's only one Joe Montana. Elvis Grbac's largest contribution in Kansas City has been resurrecting the career of Rich Gannon. If Moon has even one good year left, the Chiefs may be inclined to use it.

Fantasy Value: If one of these two veterans show some life in training camp, they could be walking into some good fantasy production. Receivers Andre Rison and Derrick Alexander are both productive and can get open, while many believe TE Tony Gonzalez has the potential to dominate the position. Add to this a decent running game to take the pressure off, and a hot QB could put up some good numbers here.

'Dozer's Take: Grbac has to know his days are numbered. On the flip side, Moon's have long since expired. Look for Elvis to stay in the building one more year, and hope to get hit with the veteran QB bug that bit Chris Chandler last season.

TRENT DILFER vs. ERIC ZEIER
Outlook: This is an interesting pairing. Dilfer has had every chance and reason to succeed, but has not made it to the next level. Zeier has had every chance and reason to fail, but continues to impress in most opportunities. It's Dilfer's job, but he should be hearing the footsteps.

Fantasy Value: With the unmatched running duo of Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn, it's hard to believe that Reidel Anthony and Bert Emanuel aren't getting open downfield. This spot has real fantasy potential, but no one has yet taken the reigns.

'Dozer's Take: Though Dilfer will start the season as the starter, Zeier may be worth a reserve QB spot if you can spare one. Otherwise, stick to the running game until you see reason for hope. Head coach Tony Dungy probably will.

DOUG FLUTIE vs. ROB JOHNSON
Outlook: Don't think Doug Flutie will be feeling any heat in '99? The fact is, even after his excellent '98 campaign, there's no free ride for a 5'9", 36-year-old QB in the NFL. Buffalo paid big for Johnson, their QB of the future, and showed no interest in trading him after Flutie emerged. Johnson has limited experience, but has played like a veteran in limited action.

Fantasy Value: With the emergence of Eric Moulds, the drafting of Peerless Price, and the consistence of Antowain Smith, whoever man's this helm should be producing good fantasy numbers all year.

'Dozer's Take: At 36, is Flutie a one-year wonder? Though he likely won't duplicate last year, Flutie isn't going away. Even if he struggles and Buffalo feels inclined to get return on their QB investment, Johnson hasn't proven he can stay consistent or healthy, which means "the Flake" will stay in the picture.

JIM HARBAUGH vs. RYAN LEAF
Outlook: By now, San Diego (and the rest of the world for that matter) knows what they get with Jim Harbaugh. He is a veteran who can get the ball to the open guy, is somewhat mobile, but also makes mistakes. No rocket arm, but plenty of experience. With Leaf, the sophomore slump came in his rookie year, raising the question of whether he will ever get it together.

Fantasy Value: Despite the decent running of Natrone Means, only receiver Mikhael Ricks provides any hope of a potent passing attack in San Diego. Neither QB is likely to put up strong numbers until some weapons emerge.

'Dozer's Take: Leaf may have the physical skills, but he isn't likely to take his time on the bench constructively. Look for Harbaugh to remain the starter, even if Leaf plays in the 4th quarter of a lot of losses.

and a quick look at the rest
BUBBY BRISTER vs. CHRIS MILLER
Only one of the three QB's on Denver's roster has been a consistent starter in the NFL, and it's not Bubby Brister. Former Falcon Chris Miller retired due to concussions and knee problems, which should be less of a problem on the grass in Denver. If Brister can't do it for a whole year and Brian Griese isn't ready, Miller could be in a position to put up some numbers.

STEVE BEUERLEIN vs. JEFF LEWIS
While he's consistent, don't count on Beuerlein keeping this job long. Lewis is unproven but knows the West Coast offense new coach George Seifert will be running. He is the future here, and that may begin very soon.

TY DETMER vs. TIM COUCH
As much as Cleveland would love to see their #1 pick on the field, Couch has a big learning curve ahead. Detmer gets the job, at least early on.

DOUG PEDERSON vs. DONOVAN McNABB
Pederson will probably get every chance to run the offense in Philly, as McNabb is more of an investment than a player in '99.

JEFF BLAKE vs. AKILI SMITH
Blake is the poster child this year for "one last chance." He'll keep the spot warm for Smith in '99, and look to prove he belongs as a starter in the NFL.