The Chicago Bears are coming off an incredible game in Week 9, where the offense put up 47 points. D'Andre Swift was out for that week, and Kyle Monangai took the bulk of the work.
He ran for 176 yards on 26 carries, the most by a Bears running back this season. In the wake of his incredible performance, the start/sit decision for fantasy managers isn't easy in Week 10.
According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, the decision is getting a lot more difficult. Ben Johnson's answer on the running game left things open-ended, making things a lot more uncertain for fantasy managers.
Ben Johnson doesn't reveal which RB will lead Bears' backfield in Week 10
When asked about how both Monangai and Swift will fit into the game plan, Johnson answered with ambiguity.
Ben Johnson gives some insight into how the Bears will divvy up their backfield with both D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai set to play: "I believe in a guy having the hot hand. One guy, if he’s feeling it and giving us a spark, we might lean on that a little bit longer."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 7, 2025
"I believe in a guy having the hot hand," Johnson said. "One guy, if he's feeling it and giving us a spark, we might lean on that a little bit longer."
This quote from Johnson isn't the best one for managers or Swift, or Monangai to hear. Having a clear lead back would make starting decisions a lot easier.
But now, if Johnson's words ring true and the Bears' backfield is truly riding the hot hand, either Swift or Monangai could emerge as the lead back.
What makes this quote even more frustrating is that the matchup, against the New York Giants, is a fantastic one for running backs. But now, there's no guarantee which of the two backs will have the majority of the workload.
Swift has 100 attempts for 464 yards rushing and four touchdowns, and 18 receptions for 192 yards and one touchdown through the air this season.
More: How D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai helped re-establish Bears' run game
Monangai has 68 attempts for 362 and one touchdown, and nine catches for 83 yards in the passing game. While his Week 9 performance was incredible, the Bengals' defense is the worst in the NFL, and plenty of running backs have had great days against them.
Both have reasons to be starting, and after Swift's DNP on Friday for a personal reason (not injury-related), the question of which of the two to start is a lot trickier.
While the lead back might not be known, Johnson could employ a discounted version of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, with both getting a decent amount of work in Week 10.
Both are worth starting in Week 10, though their floors and ceilings are a lot murkier after this quote from Johnson. But, in a great matchup, both Monangai and Swift can be started, as they could both have great performances against a poor Giants defense.
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