Moss to Vikings shakes up fantasy landscape

The holiday season came early for fantasy football owners with two trades creating a seismic shift in value for many players: Randy Moss to the Vikings and Marshawn Lynch to the Seahawks.

First, the bigger trade: Randy Moss gets a boost with the move to his old team, Minnesota. The Patriots have a lot of weapons on offense and they weren't forcing the ball to Moss. The Vikings were in desperate need of a wide receiver to stretch the field and Moss becomes the focal point of the offense. A motivated and rejuvenated Moss is scary. It will also help Percy Harvin, who isn't suited to be a No. 1 wide receiver and is better in the slot. Brett Favre goes from being a No. 2 QB to a borderline No. 1. With tight end being deep, Visanthe Shiancoe is no longer a TE1 every week.

For the Patriots, Brandon Tate becomes a starter. I doubt the Patriots trade Moss if they don't think Tate is a deep threat. He has excellent skills and has displayed his big-play ability with three kickoff TD returns. Aaron Hernandez gets bolstered even more and is a must start every week. Julian Edelman also will be involved.

The other trade creates some clarity in the Bills backfield. Lynch becomes the main back in Seattle and becomes fantasy relevant. Justin Forsett loses a lot of value. Fred Jackson becomes the starter for the Bills, but C.J. Spiller is the better bet long term, especially in PPR leagues.

Some good plays for Week 5:

Eli Manning (Giants, QB): He's been inconsistent, but the Texans are ranked last against the pass.

Sam Bradford (Rams, QB): He gets a poor Lions secondary and the Rams have allowed Bradford to throw at least 37 times in three of four games.

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Jamaal Charles (Chiefs, RB): Charles faces the Colts, ranked 29th against the run and without safety Melvin Bullitt. Charles is averaging seven yards per carry.

Ryan Mathews (Chargers, RB): He'll start after looking good last week. Oakland doesn't defend the run well.

Derrick Mason (Ravens, WR): Champ Bailey will be on Anquan Boldin, so that will open up things for Mason.

Chris Cooley (Redskins, TE): The Packers have several injuries on defense and don't defend the tight end well.

Zach Miller (Raiders, TE): Miller received a lot of targets last week. Expect more of the same.

Sleepers: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Bills), Shaun Hill (Lions), C.J. Spiller (Bills), Mario Manningham (Giants), Kenny Britt (Titans), Danny Amendola (Rams).