The Chicago Bears are traveling east to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday for a huge Week 13 showdown. While the Bears are 8-3 and have a chance to win the NFC North, their fantasy football assets figure is disappointing.
Advertisement
While the wide receiver room is far from settled, the Bears’ running back room is the most pressing issue to address for Week 13. Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift are in a split backfield, and there isn’t a lot of clarity heading into the Eagles matchup.
For fantasy managers, the decision to start a head-to-head has never been more difficult than now. There is a case to be made for both to remain in the lineup, even facing a tough Eagles defense. But there is no safe option, as they both carry huge risks.
Kyle Monangai vs. D’Andre Swift: Which Bears RB should fantasy managers start?
Ben Johnson had earlier hinted at the Bears riding the hot hand with both Swift and Monangai active. Since this decision, in games starting in Week 10, there has been an odd split in the Bears’ backfield.
Advertisement
Monangai is averaging 8.8, 10.7, and 10.8 fantasy points in full PPR leagues since Week 10, while Swift is averaging 14.8, 9.0, and 1.9 points in the same time period.
No one has taken complete control of this backfield, as they have split their usage over the past few weeks. As Fantasy Football Today’s Jacob Gibbs shared, Monangai’s trend is on the rise, but for now, Swift could still be in line for more work this week.
But, while Swift may still be leading early in the game, a fumble could easily put him on the bench as was the case in Week 12.
That’s not the only reason to be concerned about Swift, as based on his touchdown scores over the past three weeks, Monangai has gotten a goal-line touch.
Advertisement
Goal line work is a big deal in an offense like the Bears. Monangai has solid fantasy potential due to his touchdown hurdles, but Swift will still likely get his fair share of work against the Eagles.
More: Lions’ defeat cements the mystique of the Bears-Eagles alliance
Swift is also a risky game. After averaging 1.9 points, Swift no longer has the secure role that was expected of him this season. In a split backfield and possibly without goal-line work, Swift’s upside takes a major blow.
The Eagles are ranked 16th in points allowed to running backs this season, and the Bears’ backfield should be able to get some runs on defense. The only issue is that this running room is far from clarity.
Advertisement
Swift and Monangai have been sharing the workload recently. With uncertainty in this backfield, both Swift and Monangai could be kept on the bench if fantasy managers have better options.
However, if needed, both could be in the lineup this week. But for fantasy managers with both, right now, Swift is the better play because he’s more likely to have a good day even without a touchdown.
While Monangai has been working more in the backfield as the season progresses, Swift’s involvement in the passing game potentially gives him a better start in Week 13 against the Eagles.
More bear news:
<a href=