Fantasy Football

The Facts:
Rice ultimately seems likely to leave the Vikings via free agency, creating a big WR hole for the team. But it’s not because Minnesota wouldn’t like to keep him. “I’m sure if we felt any concerns medically that we wouldn’t be discussing extensions with him,” Vikings VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman said on espn1500.com Sunday, via Tom Pelissero. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Spielman's comment -- and the Vikings desire to extend him -- should only increase Rice's value on the open market (once free agency begins). Meanwhile, as PFT notes, the only real knock on a healthy Rice would be his inconsistent production. He has the skill set to be a No. 1 receiver and topped 1,300 yards in 2009, but hasn’t gained over 400 yards in his other three seasons.

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