Don't get too excited over Spiller just yet

With the exception of rookie C.J. Spiller, Thursday's Indianapolis vs. Buffalo preseason game had no significant news in terms of fantasy. Peyton Manning was pretty sharp and Colts running backs Josephi Addai and Donald Brown looked as if they'll be a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield this season. Addai is a low-end No. 1 or strong No. 2 fantasy back while Brown is a quality No. 3 or 4 back. Buffalo's Spiller electrified the crowd with a 31-yard touchdown dash and he finished with 10 carries for 54 yards. Spiller appears to be a very talented back but how productive he'll be behind the Bills' line is questionable. Unless he continues to shine in the preseason, Spiller is a No. 3 fantasy back at best.

 The reports that New England wide receiver Wes Welker was ahead of schedule on his recovery from knee surgery were apparently true. He played in Thursday's preseason game against Atlanta and caught two passes for 20 yards. If he continues to progress in the preseason he's a strong No. 2 fantasy receiver.

The news on the Vincent Jackson situation is not good for fantasy players. The wideout from San Diego, who has been holding out, is talking with the Seattle Seahawks who have been given permission to discuss contract terms with him. If Jackson ends up Seattle, he drops to a No. 3 receiver at best. Meanwhile, the Chargers Phillip Rivers falls to the second tier among quarterbacks. 
 
Here in Minnesota, the Vikings Sidney Rice (hip) admitted he may not be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. If that's the case, he moves from a low-end No 1 wideout to a middle of the pack No. 2 guy.

One back-up QB to consider in the late rounds is Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman. He has reportedly made big strides since last season. He still doesn't have a lot of offensive talent around him, but could be serviceable as a bye-week starter.

Check out next Tuesday's print edition (Aug. 24) when I unveil my five fantasy busts/overvalued players for 2010 in the Fantasy Forum.