Fantasy Football

Looking at the Minnesota Vikings roster, there are three players that stand out as commodities fantasy players will feel comfortable drafting. Adrian Peterson, the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player, tight end Kyle Rudolph, the 2012 Pro Bowl MVP, and Pro Bowl kicker Blair Walsh. The rest of the roster, including the Vikings defense, has flags with question marks attached.

Massachusetts State Police questioned Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez and searched his house Tuesday night in connection with the investigation of a possible homicide. Hernandez is not believed to be a suspect in the investigation into the death of a 27-year-old man who was found less than a mile away from Hernandez's home in North Attleboro on Monday. But a vehicle rented in his name has emerged as a key piece of evidence, according to Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel and Greg Bedard. FANTASY ANALYSIS: This shouldn't impact Hernandez's fantasy stock. He is currently working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery and should be fine in time for training camp. He carries his own injury risks but at this point, I would draft Hernandez before taking a chance on teammate and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Well, it happened. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski finally underwent back surgery on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Now he is facing a 10-to-12-week rehab period, and it is expected to be a close call as to whether he will play Week 1 versus the Bills. An anonymous source told USA Today's Mike Garafolo that the Patriots are holding on to an quot;optimistic" view that Gronkowski will be ready to go by some point late in August. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The surgery was reportedly successful, but when is that ever not the case? A late-August return would be about 10 weeks from now, but it seems like the odds are much higher that Gronk will need at least 12 weeks and be forced to miss at least one regular-season game. Tuesday's operation is just the latest chapter in this saga that is far from over. What we do know is that Gronk will miss at least most if not all of training camp. His ADP should be interesting to watch during August.

Police officers visited tight end Aaron Hernandez’s house in Massachusetts on Tuesday after a body was found Monday in an industrial park about a mile away.

The Atlanta Falcons and QB Matt Ryan both would like to extend the quarterback's contract, but an agreement has not yet been reached. However, casual talks are ongoing, with the expectation that things will heat up after the July 4 holiday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Huddle Up: Ryan, who hit career highs in passing yards (4,719), TDs (32) and completion percentage (68.6) and finished 5th among fantasy QBs last season, definitely has earned an extension, and look for a deal to get done before training camp.

Arizona Cardinals CB Jerraud Powers has an injury history, but he also has a connection to head coach Bruce Arians from their days together with the Indianapolis Colts. Powers is expected to push CB Antoine Cason for the starting cornerback job opposite CB Patrick Peterson. Huddle Up: Powers, a 4-year starter in Indy, missed half of the 2012 season due to a turf toe injury that required surgery and finished with 1 interception, 8 passes defensed and 40 tackles. Don't be surprised if he beats out the ex-Charger Cason and is starting Week 1.

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, who underwent surgery to fix a spinal issue in his back Tuesday, June 18, has hopes of returning to action late in August, during the preseason. However, Gronkowski isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. He's likely to begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list but will be eligible to come off at any point before Week 1. Huddle Up: The risk/reward balance is going to come into play wherever Gronk is drafted, but there have simply been too many surgeries to justify keeping him atop your TE draft board.

New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez was questioned by police investigating a possible homicide in a town 40 miles south of Boston on Tuesday, June 18. The police were interested in possibly searching Hernandez's home. He's not believed to be a murder suspect, though, but a vehicle that was rented in his name has become a key piece of evidence. The police are hoping to analyze the vehicle for fingerprints. A body was found Monday, June 17, less than a mile from Hernandez's home. Huddle Up: Just when you were set to move up Hernandez on your TE draft board due to teammate Rob Gronkowski's health issues, this deeply disturbing news surfaces. Definitely see what develops . . .

Tennessee Titans WR Kevin Walter (back soreness) will not practice again until training camp begins, according to head coach Mike Munchak. Huddle Up: It's likely more of just a precautionary measure at this point, but in any case, definitely don't be expecting a whole lot of the former Texan on his new squad which has a glut of WRs in Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Damian Williams and recent high draft picks Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter for a team not expected to rank among the league leaders in passing attempts.

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is enjoying his team flying under the radar heading into the 2013 season. 'I love it. I love being under the radar,' Rodgers said. 'For sure, we're a contender. For sure. I mean, we're going to put ourselves in position to win a lot of games. Our goal is to win our division and get to the playoffs. And anything can happen. And then hopefully we can take care of business like we did in 2010 when we get back there.' Huddle Up: The Pack may be getting overlooked a bit, but Rodgers definitely won't be in fantasy drafts after throwing for at least 3,922 yards and 28 TDs in each of the past 5 seasons.