The Chicago Bears didn't import Jay Cutler to promote competition for their starting quarterback job. Nor was it the intention -- forget the public support for Tyler Thigpen -- of the Kansas City Chiefs to create a QB derby with the trade for Matt Cassel.

But in five other NFL locales, a newcomer enters to spark a battle atop the QB depth chart. That can be good. Or bad.

"I think a three-way competition is always bad," said ex-quarterback Jim Miller, part of multiple QB battles in 12 NFL seasons. "Two-way competitions are manageable, but the guys on the team know who should emerge, and when it goes against that, you have problem.

"Guys in Chicago knew Cade McNown wasn't ready [when he was a rookie in 1999], so they were upset when he was named starter. But usually, it's good for everyone to feel that pressure that you'll feel on Sundays."

With that in mind -- and knowing three of these involve guys, like McNown, drafted in the first round -- Sporting News handicaps the races for playing time.

Denver Broncos

The contenders: Kyle Orton, Chris Simms.

The chase: Some don't believe it, but Orton was a big piece of the Bears' ability to wrest Jay Cutler from the Broncos. Denver coach Josh McDaniels likes Orton's accuracy and decision-making skills. Simms might be giving chase, but in his only season as a starter he efficiently led Tampa Bay to the playoffs. The coach says this is no farce of a race.

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"It's real," McDaniels said. "Both are very capable. They've done a great job of throwing themselves into the system."

Miller's take: "I'd give the slight edge to Orton. He has more starts than Simms, and I'm not sure Chris is all the way back from his injury, even though I'd say he'll get a fair shot. Kyle's a heady player who is capable of running Josh's system, and I think Josh will really like him."

Detroit Lions

The contenders: Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford.

The chase: The $41.5-million rookie will be the starter -- it's just a matter of when. And that'll likely be a function of when the players around Stafford are prepared to give him a chance to flourish. Until then, the Lions are better off letting Culpepper take the punishment. For now, though, the Lions have thrown the competition open.

"We have to throw groups out there just so we can practice," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "But my message has to stay the same and it's got to be, 'Hey, you're going to earn your spot based on how you perform.' We probably won't even really get into depth charts until we get near the first preseason game."

Miller's take: "This is interesting, because I think they're still looking for another veteran to throw in the mix. But as it stands, I think it's Daunte's job early. They have no delusions about starting Stafford early. I think later on in the season, if they're losing and they feel like the kid can protect himself, they'll stick Stafford in there. But I don't think they feel pressure to play him."

Minnesota Vikings

The contenders: Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels.

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The chase: Forget perception. Neither the financial nor the draft-pick compensation the Vikings surrendered to get Rosenfels suggests he has to start. Jackson played fairly well down the stretch, and this one likely will go to the man who can best move the chains and protect the ball. Or Brett Favre.

Last week, when coach Brad Childress conceded that Favre would be discussed, he said, "I'm more focused on the guys that are here." And Childress added second-year man John David Booty, part of the rich USC quarterbacking lineage, to the conversation.

Miller's take: "I actually think Jackson will be the starter, but I think Brad Childress will have a really quick hook. They really like Jackson, I think they want him to win job, but Brad knows how talented that team is, and he can't wait for a guy to build experience. So Jackson has to produce early or Sage will take that job."