Favre returns, fantasy players rejoice

The big new Tuesday was quarterback Brett Favre's arrival in Minneapolis. Although there will be no press conference until Wednesday, most are predicting he will announce his decision to play at least one more season. If that happens, he immediately takes a spot among the top fantasy quarterbacks, just below the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub, Tom Brady and Tony Romo. Favre's return also increases the value of wide receivers Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

It's official, rookie running back Ben Tate's season is over. The Houston back was placed on IR this week, leaving Arian Foster and Steve Slaton as the two main ball carriers. If Slaton continues to have fumble issues, Foster could be a mid-to-late round steal in fantasy drafts.

Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles' value took a hit Tuesday when head coach Todd Haley said his role in the offense has yet to be determined. Although Haley said Charles has had a good preseason so far, he described him as a "developing player." Until we see or hear otherwise, Charles should still be considered a low-end No. 1 or strong No. 2 fantasy back.

Reports out of New Orleans are that newly-signed running back Ladell Betts could be the goal-line guy for the Saints. That hurts Pierre Thomas' value but not much. Thomas should still be considered a strong No. 2 running back.

Fantasy owners should have a pretty good idea of rookie running back C.J. Spiller's worth by the time they have to draft. Spiller has been taking the majority of snaps with the first unit in Buffalo in the wake of injuries to Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. Neither Lynch nor Jackson is expected to be back before Week 1.

Fantasy players might want to take a late flier on oft-injured tight end Owen Daniels in their drafts this year. Daniels was having a career year when he suffered his third ACL injury last season. Houston head coach Gary Kubiak said Daniels is on pace to return to the field in the team's final preseason game.

News out of Oakland is that newly-acquired quarterback Jason Campbell is not yet in synch with his receivers. Until they start clicking, it's best to stay away from all Oakland skill players except for running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden and tight end Zach Miller.
Check out Tuesday's print edition (Aug. 17) for my Fantasy Forum. It identifies five undervalued/sleeper players for the upcoming season.