D'Andre Swift: Bears RB Battles Packers in NFC Showdown

D'Andre Swift's NFC North Test: From Star RB to Packers Struggle

As the Chicago Bears lead the NFC with a 9-3 record, the spotlight intensifies on star running back D'Andre Swift. Following a dominant Week 13 performance where he rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles, Swift faced a stark reality check in Week 14's first half against the Green Bay Packers. Managing just 18 yards on four carries in a 14-3 deficit, Swift's struggles highlight the challenges facing Chicago's offense against a formidable division rival.

Despite this setback, Swift's 2025 season remains impressive. With 774 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 160 carries, he's also emerged as a reliable pass-catcher, tallying 25 receptions for 237 yards and another score. This dual-threat capability makes him a cornerstone of the Bears' offensive identity, especially as they contend with the NFL's second-best rushing attack, averaging 153.8 yards per game.

The Backfield Battle: Monangai's Rise

Competition for carries is heating up, with rookie Kyle Monangai rapidly gaining ground. After matching Swift's production with 130 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles, Monangai has now scored in four consecutive games. According to PFSN's RB Impact metric, Swift ranks seventh (83.0) while Monangai isn't far behind at 14th (80.3), creating a dynamic backfield duo that head coach Ben Johnson must strategically deploy.

This week's fantasy landscape favors both backs. Swift, currently RB13 in fantasy points per game, benefits from Chicago's expected ground-heavy approach to protect quarterback Caleb Williams. Monangai's 22 carries last week suggest he'll continue vying for significant touches, especially near the goal line where he secured four of five backfield red-zone attempts against Philadelphia.

Betting Insights & Defensive Matchup

For bettors, Swift's rushing yards prop sits at 46.5 – a figure he's exceeded in 63.6% of games this season (7 of 11). His 70.4-yard average per game provides a strong case for the over, though Green Bay's seventh-ranked run defense (allowing 98.3 yards per game) presents a challenge. The Packers' defense allows the 11th-most rushing yards per game since Week 9, giving Swift a realistic path to exceed expectations.

Meanwhile, Chicago's defensive vulnerabilities persist. Ranking 11th in the league, they allow 133.8 rushing yards per game – a stark contrast to their offensive prowess. This imbalance makes the Bears' backfield efficiency crucial, particularly as they aim to overcome their halftime deficit and solidify their NFC North lead.

What's Next for Swift & the Bears

As the Bears adjust in Week 14's second half, the key lies in optimizing Swift and Monangai's roles. Swift's explosiveness (eighth-best in the NFL for explosive run rate) combined with Monangai's yards-after-contact ability could unlock Green Bay's defense. With both backs performing at high levels, Chicago has the talent to dominate time of possession and control the NFC race.

"The combination of Swift and Monangai has the potential to elevate the Bears' offensive gameplan, especially given that the Bears are leading the NFC but lack a top-ten defense."

Swift's journey – from Detroit Lions draft pick to Eagles veteran to Bears cornerstone – continues to evolve. Whether he rebounds from the Packers' defensive pressure or shares the spotlight with Monangai, one thing remains clear: Chicago's offensive success hinges on this dynamic backfield's ability to thrive in high-stakes NFC North battles.