Randy Moss Waived by Vikings: What's the Fantasy Football Impact?

The NFL Network's Michael Lombardi dropped a bombshell today, reporting that WR Randy Moss had been cut by the Minnesota Vikings following a short four-game stay in Minneapolis.

Moss was less than productive during his time in Minnesota and was recently critical head coach Brad Childress following the Vikings' loss to the New England Patriots.

Lombardi also reported that Moss did not return to Minneapolis with the Vikings on Sunday evening, remaining in Boston.

Even as a veteran, Moss may now be claimed by any team. He is not expected to clear waivers with the ability to choose his destination as a free agent.

Fantasy football impact

While the impact of Moss' release will reverberate around the NFL for the next few days, how the news impacts fantasy football is a question on many owners' minds.

Some potential landing spots for Moss include Buffalo, Carolina, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver and San Diego. He may also land in St. Louis, which would bolster a Rams receiving corps decimated by injury.

Obviously, any team that claims Moss must weigh his potential contribution against his clear attitude issues and determine that his production will outweigh any negative impacts on the team.

In terms of potential fantasy production, the best destinations for Moss are Buffalo and San Diego. Adding Moss to a depleted Chargers receiving corps could drive QB Philip Rivers' already solid fantasy production to stratospheric levels.   

Wide receiver Percy Harvin may be the one player affected most by this move. In recent weeks, Harvin had returned to his natural position as a slot receiver, being extremely effective in that role. With Moss' departure, Harvin will be forced back to the outside until WR Sidney Rice is healthy enough to return to game action.  

Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe should also see an uptick in production, as he seemed to be the forgotten man upon Moss' arrival after putting up very solid numbers during the first three weeks.

Fantasy owners that invested in Moss back in September should sit tight and wait to see how things play out over the next 24 hours. Barring a very juicy trade offer, there is no sense in selling low on Moss until we know what his situation will be for the remainder of the year.

Simply put, Moss' value can't really drop much lower than it is right now, so there is no reason to sell until you can fully evaluate the situation.

Best of luck to you this weekend. May your domination continue or your comeback begin.

For an all you can eat buffet of fantasy football news and information, you can follow Nathan on Twitter @NathanWaddell.