Randy Moss back to the Vikings? Who the hell knows.But the Internets are going wild so there is something to the rumors.

And if he does return to Minnesota it’s going to have some interesting fantasy ramifications.

For the Vikings, it returns Brett Favre to prominence. The offensive line has been a major part of the problem in Minnesota so far this season — but so has the lack of a downfield passing threat with Sidney Rice out and Percy Harvin struggling with various ailments. Moss isn’t the player he used to be but he still has plenty left and he will command coverage.

Everyone — yes, everyone (except Bernard Berrian) — on the Vikings offense will go up in value. Visanthe Shiancoe, Harvin, Greg Camarillo — they all go up in value. Some will go from zero value to a little (Camarillo) and others will go from matchup play to almost every week starter (Harvin).

Even more important for fantasy players — and for the Vikings — is that a downfield offensive threat will take attention away from Adrian Peterson. I envy those who have Peterson on fantasy teams with Moss drawing defenders out of the box. I think he could have an amazing three-quarters of the season if this deal pulls off.

For the Patriots the news isn’t so good. I do think Brandon Tate plays more. And the Patriots’ rookie tight end duo of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski will get more looks. But let’s face it — this offense is far less prolific without Moss than it is with him.

Sure, last night the Patriots pummeled Miami and Moss didn’t catch a pass. The speedy wideout was still on the field. Without him, Wes Welker becomes the team’s top receiver. Welker is a great second option. But he’s not someone who will stretch the field.

Tate likely takes the deep threat role. It’s one he’ll likely be fine at some day. But he’s not ready to be a Moss. Julian Edelman also likely comes into play, though he fits more into that Welker mold than he does the one Moss is leaving behind.

Most depressingly, Tom Brady takes a hit. He’s going to have to go back to the earlier days in his career when he was throwing to lesser receivers in less of a downfield offense. The receivers are better than they were in those days, but as mentioned, he has fewer downfield threats and the offense will be more conservative for it.

Interestingly, the two guys who might benefit the most are BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. They’ll have no choice but to run more. And both have shown some spark the last couple weeks in limited opportunities.

If this deal goes down it proves a couple things. The Vikings are all in. In addition to fielding an ancient quarterback who could be in his last season (though I never say never with Favre — he’s wanted to play with Moss going back to his Green Bay days, so who knows, this could bring him back for another season if the muckety mucks with the players union and the league offices can come to an agreement that brings football back in 2011), Zygi Wilf has a stadium deal at play. He’s never been afraid to spend money and buying a Super Bowl appearance couldn’t hurt his efforts.

Second, it would show the Patriots are less focused on this year than they are on rebuilding a couple of problem spots for the years ahead. This potential deal could change the balance of power in the NFL — and in fantasy leagues — for the rest of the season and beyond.