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MIKE ANDERSON
RB - Ravens
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Comments from DJ Boyer 6-15
FANTASY UPSIDE
Mike Anderson is coming to a team that depends upon the run for their offensive livelihood. Anderson has less mileage on him than starter Jamal Lewis and his versatility will ensure that he sees the field on a regular basis. Anderson has a couple of years experience playing as a fullback in Denver and was used in that role as a lead blocker and a featured running back. Anderson has also been a part of many two-back sets and this is something the Ravens want to see more of this season.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Anderson won’t be picked near the top of many draft boards because he isn’t listed as the starter in Baltimore, that role stays with Jamal Lewis. Anderson will be learning a new offense and the same can be said for his starting quarterback, Steve McNair. Anderson doesn’t possess the athletic talent or speed that will wow you in the open field. Anderson won’t pay dividends in leagues where the length of the touchdown play a big role in determining how many points a player will receive.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Anderson will turn 33 right after the season begins but since he has less than 1,000 carries in his NFL career, stamina shouldn’t be an issue. Even if Anderson isn’t the feature back he is worth a look in your league because he has proven to be one of the most successful short yardage/goal line backs in the league over the past three seasons. Anderson has been successful in the role where he isn’t the primary back so he will get you plenty of production. If Jamal Lewis goes down to injury Anderson inherits a team primarily built around running and his success is virtually guaranteed. Not bad for a player with an Average Draft Position of 110 to 115.
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Comments from Dale Lolley 6-15
FANTASY UPSIDE
Mike Anderson has moved from Denver’s run-oriented offense to one that is equally predicated on the run in Baltimore. With Jamal Lewis coming off of a sub-par season, even as the team’s No. 2 back, Anderson will get his share of touches.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Even though this is just his seventh season in the league, Anderson will turn 33. Also, if Lewis bounces back to his previous form, Anderson’s not a great receiver out of the backfield, so his touches could be limited to five to 10 carries per game. Though he’s had two 1,000-yard seasons, he’s always a back that teams are looking to replace.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Anderson was a workhorse in Denver last season, putting up his second 1,000-yard season while sharing time with Tatum Bell. The real question mark in the equation with Anderson is Lewis, who had a tough season in 2005 but went over 2,000 yards in 2003. If Lewis averages just 3.4 yards per carry again this season, Anderson will get his share of carries and could push for the starting job as Chester Taylor did a year ago. If Lewis rebounds, Anderson will be nothing more than a back to stash on your bench just in case Lewis is injured. Keep an eye on Lewis in the preseason. If he’s still struggling, bump Anderson up a little on your watch list. Taylor got 117 carries last season serving as Lewis’ backup, but some of that was because Taylor is a solid receiver out of the backfield, something Anderson is not. Don’t hurry to grab him in your draft, but don’t forget about him either.
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What Next?
Be sure to check out the following...
a)
Full Impact Draft Simulator
b)
Full Impact Customized Cheat Sheets
c)
Ultimate Cheat Sheets
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