Shikamaru is strong. His shadow strangling move kicks ass. Not only that, but his strategies are amazing, he could hold his own very nicely verus any of them, if not win. Neji and Naruto need melee combat to win, and the closer they get, the best for Shikamaru. Sasuke would be more of a problem /w his fire techniques, and Sharingan.

And he is still stronger then the any of the Chuunin's.