Randy Moss to the Vikings: Fantasy Implications

Randy Moss to the Vikings: Fantasy Implications

Randy Moss has been traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a 3rd round pick and this deal benefits every skill player but Sidney Rice.

As a football move it makes sense that the Vikings would make a move for Moss who is the big downfield target Brett Favre has been lacking and craving this season with Sidney Rice on the mend.
This is Brett Favre’s last season and you can see the writing on his face…the Vikings needed to go for broke.

The New England Patriots had no intention of retaining Randy Moss after this season and have accelerated the succession process with Brandon Tate, Julian Edelman and Taylor Price.
Don’t be surprised to see them make a move for Vincent Jackson as the 3rd they get from this deal will make it possible for them to deal for a 2nd for V-Jax.

Fantasy Implications:

Randy Moss will retain his WR1 value and will challenge Andre Johnson for the most valuable fantasy football WR due to the increased number of targets Randy Moss stands to see with Brett Favre under the helm.

Percy Harvin will retain his WR2 status and will benefit from the coverage Moss will undoubtedly draw.

Adrian Peterson will benefit greatly as opposing defenses will now HAVE to account for the ever dangerous Randy Moss. He will draw double coverage and make life a lot easier for Adrian Peterson and the Vikings run game.

Wes Welker is now the unquestioned #1 and this fact will help to make up for the extra coverage he will see on game days.

Brandon Tate will assume the #2 role on the WR depth chart but in reality will be the 3rd option behind Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez. We also expect the Patriots to make more use of two tight end sets to make use of their pair of excellent pass catching rookies.

Julian Edelman will return to fantasy relevance and projects to function as the teams #3 WR and should accrue some deeper league flex value.

Taylor Price may make a case for fantasy relevance and should be on watch lists.

Brett Favre is instantaneously transformed from a low-end QB1 (he was coming into season at least) to elite QB1 status.

Rob Gronkowski figures to become more involved in the passing game but is a Aaron Hernandez injury away from fantasy relevance.

Aaron Hernandez stands to benefit the most from Randy Moss absence and will see a boost in his targets per game and will finish the season as a top 10-TE over the final 10-12 weeks.