Upside - by Aaron Rudnicki

Michael Bennett was a track star in college and needed some time to develop as a runner in the NFL. He had a very solid sophomore season in 2002 when he ran for nearly 1300 yards and finished as the #17 ranked RB. Since then, however, he’s been plagued by injuries and also had to compete with various players for playing time in the Vikings’ running back by committee approach. This year, Bennett should be fully healthy (was recently clocked at 9.91 in the 100m dash) to start the season and should be the unquestioned starter now that Onterrio Smith has been suspended for the season. Mike Tice has consistently said that he’d prefer to have more of a feature RB than a RBBC, so if he can hold onto the starting job, Bennett should see plenty of carries. Mewelde Moore played well in limited time last year, but the Vikings plan to use him as more of a 3rd down/change of pace RB due to his smaller size and great receiving ability. Rookie RB Ciatric Fason fell to the 4th round for a reason and isn’t expected to provide much of a threat to Bennett this year. The Vikings have one of the best offensive lines in football, and are expected to shift to much more of a run-based offensive attack now that Randy Moss is gone. Bennett, the player most likely to benefit from that switch, won’t gain too many fantasy points via receptions or touchdowns, but he’s probably the fastest RB in the league and should put up big yardage totals as long as he stays healthy.

Downside - by Chris Smith

In some ways running back Michael Bennett has the ability to be an outstanding fantasy player due to his speed, quickness and athletic prowess. However his football ‘instincts’ leave a lot to be desired and he has had issues in staying healthy and on the field. Let’s take a quick look at his career to this point

1. He has played in only 48 games over his four year career 2. He has had only 160 carries total in the past two seasons 3. He has only scored three touchdowns in the past two seasons and only has 12 during his entire career 4. He has managed a career 4.6 yard per carry average 5. He has only had one 100-yard rushing effort in his last twenty-one games 6. He has had only one top-twenty finish at the running back position

Not only does he have a problem staying healthy but he is completing with Moe Williams, Mewelde Moore and rookie Cedrick Fason for playing time. The good news is that Onterrio Smith has been suspended for the year and is out of the picture and Bennett does appear to be the front runner for the starting job in Minnesota.

Conclusion Without Smith in the picture, Bennett is in a decent position to put up fantasy numbers in 2005. However he has had more than 172 carries only once in his career and his inability to score touchdowns has to be a worry to fantasy owners. I have him ranked 28th at this time and he shouldn’t be considered for anything more than a marginal starter in fantasy football. He does have a little upside but it is far from certain he’ll be able to tap into that potential.