From Andre Swift or Kyle Monangai: Fantasy outlook for Bears’ split backfield in Week 13

0 0 2 minutes read

From Andre Swift or Kyle Monangai: Fantasy outlook for Bears’ split backfield in Week 13

From Andre Swift or Kyle Monangai: Fantasy prospects for the Bears’ split backfield in Week 13, originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as your preferred source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears make the trip east to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday for a huge Week 13 matchup. While the Bears are 8-3 and have a chance to win the NFC North, their fantasy football strengths are frustrating to understand.

Although the wide receivers room is far from fixed, the Bears’ running backs room is the most pressing issue to resolve for Week 13. Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift are in a split backfield, and heading into the game against the Eagles, there isn’t much clarity.

For fantasy managers, the decision to start one over the other has never been more difficult than it is today. There’s a strong case to have both in lineups, even against a tough Eagles defense. But there is no safe option as both come with huge risks.

Kyle Monangai vs. D’Andre Swift: Which Bears RB should fantasy managers start?

Ben Johnson has already hinted at the Bears riding the hot hand with Swift and Monangai active. In games since this decision was made, starting in Week 10, the Bears backfield has been a strange split.

Monangai has 8.8, 10.7 and 10.8 Fantasy points in full PPR leagues since Week 10, while Swift has had 14.8, 9.0 and 1.9 points during the same span.

Neither has taken full control of that backfield, as they have split their usage in recent weeks. Monangai is trending upward, as Jacob Gibbs of Fantasy Football Today shared, but for now, Swift could still be in line for more work this week.

But, while Swift could still be the point guard early in the game, a fumble could easily put him on the bench like it did in Week 12.

That’s not the only reason to worry about Swift, as based on touchdown scores over the past three weeks, Monangai has seemingly earned the goal-line touches.

In an offense like the Bears, goal line work is a big problem. Monangai has solid fantasy potential with his touchdown chances, but Swift will likely still have his fair share of work against the Eagles.

More: Lions loss cements secret Bears-Eagles alliance

Swift is also a risky play. After a 1.9 point performance, Swift no longer has the safety role that was expected of him this season. In a split backfield and likely without the goal line work, Swift’s upside takes a big hit.

The Eagles are ranked 16th in points allowed to running backs this season, and the Bears backfield should be able to gain some time on defense. The only problem is that this situation is far from clear.

Swift and Monangai have been sharing the workload lately. With the uncertainty in this backfield, if fantasy managers have better options, Swift and Monangai can be benched.

However, if necessary, the two could be aligned this week. But for fantasy managers with both, for now, Swift is the better play because he’s more likely to have a decent day even without a touchdown.

While Monangai attacks more in the backfield as the season progresses, Swift’s involvement in the passing game probably makes him the best start in Week 13 against the Eagles.