Bored Notes

49ers sign Brian Westbrook: With the retirement of 23-year old Glen Coffee, the 49ers have signed Brian Westbrook to backup the heavily used Frank Gore. This isn't a surprising move, but certainly makes Westbrook a necessary handcuff for any Gore owner. If Westbrook proves to be in playing shape this preseason, look for him to be involved in the screen game a little bit. Westbrook will see the field as he provides a quality veteran who can pick up a blitz on third down.

Bills lose Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch to injury: This almost certainly means CJ Spiller will get the bulk of the carries in Week 1. This is a great opportunity for Spiller and increases his fantasy value because any upside he has is closer to being realized. The Bills still suck, but remember that Jackson ran for over 1,000 yards last season. Spiller is a much more explosive and creative of a runner and should be able to duplicate or exceed Jackson's numbers from last year if given the carries.

Favre likely to play: I would still stay away from Favre as a starter in any fantasy draft, but the news does solidify Sidney Rice as a WR 1 and Schiancoe as a starter at tight end. If Harvin is healthy (migraines) his stock improves as well.

Jamaal Charles has nice preseason debut: Anyone worried about Charles apparent demotion to the second team, continue to slightly worry, but don't let it make you back off Charles too much. Thomas Jones ran behind the best offensive line in football last year and had a remarkable year. The Chiefs have an average offensive line. Charles produced as the second best RB for the second half of the year last year behind that offensive line. He averaged 9 yds a carry in his preseason debut behind that line. Charles will produce this year, although Jones will get most of the goalline work.

Another year of emerging WR's: From early preseason indications, it looks as if a new group of WR's will emerge as star fantasy players this year. Mike Williams of Seattle, Mike Williams of Tampa Bay, Victor Cruz of the Giants, Jordan Shipley of Cincinatti, Devin Aromashodu of Chicago, and Legedu Naanee of San Diego have all looked every solid in the preseason thus far, and all have reliable quarterbacks who will can get them the ball. I see Naanee becoming the deep threat for the Chargers in the abscence of Vincent Jackson. Shipley, Cruz, and Aromashodu are emerging as reliable slot receivers in what should be pass heavy offenses (maybe not Cincy). Both Mike Williams have the talent and lack of competition to become the most targeted top receivers on both teams.