In Part 2 of the Bulldozer position battle report, we take a look at which running backs could win jobs in '99.

Let's see if I've got this straight.

Lawrence Phillips -- who will officially salvage his career in San Francisco -- moves onto my draft list, Jamal Anderson and Marshall Faulk slip down due to contract holdouts, and I have to find out who else plays running back in Detroit.

Even as a card-carrying member of the "next generation" of fantasy players, I'll admit I'm beginning to feel my years in this game.

Barry Sanders' sudden retirement has left a void in the Lions' backfield and Michael Lewis' heart.

If I seem a little bitter or nostalgic, it's only because I'm faced with filling out my first ever Top-10 list without the name Barry Sanders in the mix. In the wake of his apparent (the 'Dozer's still in denial) retirement, I just want to say thanks to the Lion King for all of the fantasy memories over the years.

Watching Barry escape a broken, poorly-blocked counter play 42 yards, slipping tackle after tackle, only to be driven out of bounds at the goal-line so that Tommy Vardell can fall into the endzone for the point…let's just say neither fantasy nor football will ever be the same.

That said, here's installment #2 of the Bulldozer's position battle reports, as we take a look at running backs fighting for jobs (as well as Fantasy Value) in 99:

DENVER: TERRELL DAVIS vs. DEREK LOVILLE

Just kidding, but now that I have your attention…

CAROLINA: FRED LANE vs TIM BIAKABUTUKA
Outlook: Over the last three years, Biakabutuka has done nothing wrong. Then again, he of the best name in football, also hasn't stayed healthy enough to do anything right. Fred Lane, on the other hand, has run the ball well, but has managed to alienate the coaching staff through some poor decisions. Biakabutuka officially took away the job last year, but is still a question to stay healthy.

Fantasy Value: With George Seifert just now taking over the reigns of this ball control team, it could take some time to groom the weapons he needs for his brand of West Coast fireworks. In the meantime, the winner here should be a steady fantasy performer in '99.

'Dozer's Take: If you're lucky enough to get a shot in the pros out of Lane college, you're not likely to get a lot of second and third chances, especially after ticking off the coaching staff. Look for Biakabutuka to keep the job as long as he can stay healthy.

BALTIMORE: ERRICT RHETT vs. PRIEST HOLMES
Outlook: Though Holmes was given the job last year and showed signs of promise, he was never consistent enough to secure this job. Breakaway speed is only helpful when you breakaway. Rhett had some decent years in Tampa Bay, especially in fantasy numbers, but an ugly contract dispute ended his tenure, leaving him to find opportunity elsewhere.

Fantasy Value: When it comes to offense, there's just something about Brian Billick. It's a safe bet that this offense will show some signs of life this year, and either of these backs could put up good numbers as a result.

'Dozer's Take: It's a new ball game with Billick, and the only thing Holmes has proven is that he owns the Bengals. Look for Rhett to make a big push here, and force Holmes to show the consistency to stay in the lineup.

MIAMI: KARIM ABDUL-JABBAR vs. J.J. JOHNSON vs. CECIL COLLINS vs. TYRONE WHEATLEY vs. JOHN AVERY vs. LARRY CSONKA vs…
Outlook: You're going to need a calculator to figure out all of the possibilities on this one. It's clear that Jimmy Johnson's new approach to finding his Emmitt Smith in Miami is to let them all fight for it. Somewhat resembling the Mets' pitching staff of the mid '90s, this is set up to be the best battle to watch in August.

Fantasy Value: As recent fantasy owners of Abdul-Jabbar could tell you, this spot matters. Jimmy is committed to the running game, particularly at the goal line. With an equally healthy competition emerging between Rob Konrad, Stanley Pritchett, and Roosevelt Potts at fullback, there will be a lot of touchdowns waiting for this year's lottery winner.

'Dozer's Take: Rather than choose one, let's go by elimination: Wheatley will get hurt, Avery is a kick-returner, and Collins is a head-case. If Jimmy's namesake turns out to be this year's Jerris McPhail, there's a good chance the job once again goes right back to Abdul-Jabbar. There's a lot to be said for a guy who keeps working hard despite watching his replacement drafted year after year. Maybe Jimmy already has his man.

INDIANAPOLIS: EDGERRIN JAMES vs. DARICK HOLMES
Outlook: While this is James' job to lose, there is very real competition here. James certainly has that featured back look, but the biggest knock on Holmes has simply been opportunity. He was to be Thurman Thomas' replacement in Buffalo, but lost the job to Antowain Smith. After a trade to Green Bay last year, Holmes proved to be a valuable addition, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Fantasy Value: With QB Peyton Manning improving exponentially, and getting the attention of defenses, the departed Marshall Faulk set the stage for this role to be a productive one. Look for the starter here to get plenty of carries and receptions in an offense that uses its backs for everything.

'Dozer's Take: James was drafted to replace Faulk. As Holmes knows well, that opportunity means everything. He, as well as Colts fans, should get used to spelling Edgerrin.

DALLAS: EMMITT SMITH vs. CHRIS WARREN
Outlook: Emmitt Smith's job in jeopardy? I really am feeling "fantasy old" these days. However, Emmitt has been looking "football old" for a couple of years. Despite a great bounce- back season last year, Smith has taken a beating over his career and at times it really shows. Warren isn't a lot younger, but showed in relief last year that there are plenty of productive years left.

Fantasy Value: Chan Gailey has no aspirations to turn Troy Aikman into Kordell Stewart. This is a ball-control team, and a productive back will put up productive numbers in 'Big D'.

'Dozer's Take: Emmitt Smith has no inclination to go quietly. He is the starter in Dallas, and will give everything he has every game. Unfortunately, it's a bigger stretch to think that will be enough for 16 games. Warren is definitely worth a roster spot this year.

DETROIT: SEDRICK IRVIN vs. RON RIVERS
Outlook: Trying to replace Barry Sanders is kind of like emptying a lake with a coffee cup. However, Detroit still has 16 games to play this year and someone will carry the ball. Rivers has shown Sanders-like speed in relief duty, but is about as unproven as the guy who backed up Cal Ripken, Jr. at shortstop. Irvin, cousin of bad-boy Michael, is a Big-10 back with power and potential.

Fantasy Value: If Irvin wins the job, fantasy owners might be inclined to combine Barry's TDs with those of his goal-line replacements, to determine what Irvin could produce. Not so fast, guys. Barry almost always made his own breakaway plays and usually set up the one-yarders for his teammates. It's a new ballgame this year, and with Charlie Batch still learning, there may be a lot less to go around.

'Dozer's Take: Come back, Barry! I was just upset last January when I swore I would never draft you again. I take it back!

A few others to watch
SAN FRANCISCO
'Dozer's Take: The 49ers seem to have pulled the rabbit out of the hat once again, signing Lawrence Phillips to replace the injured Garrison Hearst. Phillips is worth the draft pick, but keep an eye on Hearst's progress. Given Phillips' history, the 49ers could be waiting impatiently for him by mid-season.

NEW ENGLAND
'Dozer's Take: Don't plan on any Patriots participating in that rookie beach competition this year, the one that cost them Robert Edwards. Kevin Faulk is a long shot to become a durable, productive replacement and Lamont Warren doesn't bring much more than Faulk. Free agent Terry Allen would be a nice fit here, but if he isn't signed, stay away from this one.

OAKLAND
'Dozer's Take: As exciting as Napoleon Kaufman is to watch, he's become a fantasy frustration the past two years. Not only is he a non-factor at the goal line, but his durability is always a question. Harvey Williams or Rashaan Salaam are better fantasy options, but neither appear likely to light it up.

KANSAS CITY
'Dozer's Take: For lack of better options, it seems Bam Morris will keep this job for the time being. Donnell Bennett proved to be average at best, despite some good blocking, and Morris was able to take the job and be productive. Mike Cloud could provide a spark, but could take some time to develop into a featured back in K.C.