The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 campaign with a thin stable of running backs, but a surprising partnership between D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai quickly turned the group into a potent weapon.
Swift, who had struggled with a 43.9% success rate the previous year, raised that figure to 54.7% in 2025, showcasing a more efficient ground game and a greater role in the passing attack.
Monangai answered the call in Week 9, exploding for 198 total yards on 29 touches and proving he could handle a lead‑back workload when Swift was sidelined.
Both backs bring complementary skills: Swift’s burst and receiving upside, Monangai’s power and pass‑protection reliability, making them a rare two‑back tandem that fantasy owners can rely on.
With no additional RBs added in the offseason, the Bears have signaled that Swift and Monangai will be the clear top options heading into 2026, a scenario that could reshape draft strategies across leagues.
The Road Ahead for Chicago's Backfield
Depth behind them is limited, with Roschon Johnson slated as the next man up, while the front office continues to monitor the free‑agent market for veteran options like Joe Mixon or Kareem Hunt.
Coaches and analysts alike have praised the chemistry between Swift and Monangai, noting that their complementary styles could keep defenses guessing and open up more opportunities in the passing game.
If the trend continues, both players could see their average draft positions rise, especially in PPR formats where Swift’s career trajectory has consistently outperformed his ADP.
The Bears’ offensive scheme, now fully tailored to exploit this duo, may also influence league‑wide approaches to building balanced backfields, setting a template for teams seeking both explosiveness and durability.