Feb. 25, 2005 By Michael Fabiano Senior Fantasy Writer
It appears to be a match made in heaven ... or at least in the black
hole.
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The Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a trade that
would send linebacker Napolean Harris, the No. 7 overall
selection in the 2005 NFL Draft and another draft choice to Minnesota in
exchange for controversial wide receiver Randy Moss.
The deal won't become official until March 2 due to NFL rules.
Moss made an immediate impact as a rookie with 69 receptions, 1,313
yards and 17 touchdowns. Since then, he has been considered one of the
most valuable players in Fantasy Football. Moss has recorded 1,200-plus
yards in six of his seven pro seasons, totaled 90 regular-season
touchdowns and missed just three starts since 1999.
Owners in both seasonal and keeper leagues who have him on their roster
shouldn't fret in terms of his level of production in silver and black.
Renegade owner Al Davis is a fan of the vertical pass attack, which will
be utilized even more with Moss on the field.
The controversial wide receiver should record another season with
1,200-plus yards and double-digit touchdowns, and remains in the same
class as Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison and Torry Holt.
Randy Moss and his controversial past make him a perfect fit in Raider Nation.
(Getty Images)
The player whose value will see the greatest increase as a result of the
trade is Kerry Collins, who goes from an occasional starter in
leagues with 12 or fewer teams to a top-10 quarterback and viable
keeper. Based on 13 starts in 2004, Collins would have thrown for 4,020
yards and 24 touchdowns over a full 16-game slate.
That's 4,020 yards and 24 touchdowns without Moss.
In an offense that will also feature Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry
and Doug Gabriel and could have LaMont Jordan in the
backfield, Collins should compile some incredible statistics. Playing
six games vs. AFC West teams with mediocre or worse defenses makes him
even more attractive.
Porter, the team's leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns
last season, will also benefit with Moss in the offense. With much of
the defensive attention paid to his new teammate, Porter should battle
fewer double teams and have more opportunities to produce solid numbers.
With Moss no longer a member of the Vikings offense, owners might
believe the value of Daunte Culpepper has taken a dramatic blow.
But while the absence of his favorite wide receiver will hurt somewhat,
Culpepper has proved in that past that he doesn't need him to find
consistent statistical success.
In what amounted to five starts without Moss last season, Culpepper
still threw for 1,179 yards and nine touchdowns. He might be a little
further behind Peyton Manning and a little closer to Donovan
McNabb on rank lists, but Culpepper remains one of the three best
quarterbacks in Fantasy Football.
Moss' spot on the depth chart will be given to the talented Nate
Burleson, but owners shouldn't be so quick to crown him a stud. The
Vikings will either look to add another veteran -- Derrick Mason
and Laveranues Coles are possibilities -- or select a wide
receiver like Braylon Edwards or Mike Williams in the
draft, which could limit Burleson's increase in value.
With Moss now a Raider and more trades on the horizon -- Travis Henry
could be dealt to the Arizona Cardinals soon -- this has a chance to become
one of the most memorable offseasons ever.
