Chicago’s backfield dynamics have solidified into a genuine committee approach over recent weeks. D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai head into a crucial NFC North showdown seeking continued success. Which Bears running back warrants fantasy football trust for Week 15?
D’Andre Swift’s Fantasy Outlook
Swift led the Bears’ backfield with a 53% snap share against Philadelphia on Black Friday. That represents only a marginal edge over Monangai in what has evolved into a genuine committee. The two backs rotated drives and largely shared the workload throughout the contest.​
He carried the ball 18 times for 125 yards and a touchdown in the 24-15 victory. Swift also caught one pass for 13 yards, giving him 138 total yards on the afternoon. The performance marked his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 7 and represented his most productive outing of the year.​
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Swift remains the lead back based on his slightly higher snap rate and established role. However, both backs have become increasingly reliant on rushing efficiency and touchdowns for fantasy production. He is a very capable pass-catcher, but Swift has only two receptions over his last three games.​
Without receiving work to bolster his floor, it’s hard to post usable fantasy numbers without scoring. Previously, his receiving ability provided the higher ceiling between the two backs when game script forces Chicago into passing situations.
Kyle Monangai’s Fantasy Outlook
Monangai made an unwelcome appearance on Wednesday’s estimated practice report with an ankle injury. He was listed as DNP following the short week. The 23-year-old has dealt with this same ankle issue before, as it also appeared on the injury report prior to Week 10.​
Fortunately, Monangai is okay and will play. The two backs have operated as an RB1a and RB1b situation, with either back assuming either role depending on the week.​
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Prior to last week’s explosion, Monangai had gone three consecutive games without reaching 100 yards on the ground combined. He rushed 22 times for 130 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles. Fantasy managers should not expect 22 carries again.​
It was a unique set of circumstances where Philadelphia could not stop Chicago’s rushing attack, resulting in heavy volume for both backs. Monangai previously maxed out at 13 carries in a game where Swift was active. His receiving role is also nonexistent with one reception over his last four games and 10 total on the season.​
Monangai has now rushed for a touchdown in four consecutive games. Of course, touchdowns matter, and it’s part of why fantasy managers can start him. Just be wary of what his stat line would look like without scoring.​
Should You Start Swift or Monangai This Week?
Green Bay presents a difficult defensive matchup for Chicago’s running backs. The Packers allow the sixth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs.
The receiving workload presents even greater challenges. Just 14.1% of Green Bay’s total receiving yards allowed goes to running backs. They have not allowed a running back to catch a touchdown all season. Swift and Monangai will have to get it done on the ground against a defense that ranks quite stingy against the run.​
The game environment carries massive divisional implications. Chicago enters at 9-3, leading the NFC North, while Green Bay sits at 8-3-1, closely trailing in second place. The Bears have won five consecutive games while the Packers have secured three straight victories. These two teams might be considered the top contenders in the NFC at the moment.​
The Bears have been playing very well lately. Philadelphia wasn’t exactly a favorable matchup either, and both backs produced very usable fantasy performances. Consider Swift a solid RB2 based on his role and receiving ability. Monangai functions as more of a Flex play who has been overperforming expectations a bit lately.​
Both backs are worth starting. However, temper expectations in a difficult matchup against one of the league’s better run defenses. The Packers’ ability to limit receiving production from running backs particularly caps the ceiling for both Chicago backs in what should be a low-scoring, ground-oriented divisional battle at Lambeau Field.​
