Week 9 of the 2025 NFL campaign will see at least two starting running backs not suiting up: the Kansas City Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco and the Chicago Bears' D'Andre Swift.
Pacheco suffered a knee injury in the Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders and did not practice this week before being ruled out.
Pacheco is considered week to week with an MCL sprain, so his absence could extend beyond this week.
Swift has been battling a groin injury for multiple weeks now and head coach Ben Johnson hinted the team could sit him despite his desire to play through it. Clearly, that's the decision Chicago ultimately made.
With Swift and Pacheco out, that should give rookies Kyle Monangai and Brashard Smith a boost, but will it be enough to insert them into fantasy lineups?
Let's find out.
Kyle Monangai fantasy advice
Monangai has operated as the clear No. 2 back behind Swift all season long, so he should be the lead back with Swift sidelined.
Monangai has averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry in his limited chances and has even been involved in the passing game with six catches for 61 yards.
The Bengals are ceding the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, which makes this an attractive matchup for the rookie back.
Consider Monangai a must-add player and an RB2 play in Week 9.
Verdict: Start
Brashard Smith fantasy advice
Smith has been getting more and more work as the season has progressed, even with both Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in the lineup.
Smith is averaging just three yards per carry this season, but the Chiefs' offensive line has struggled in the run game, so it isn't all his fault. Smith has made an impact in Kansas City's passing attack, tallying 14 catches for 122 yards.
A former wide receiver who was converted into a running back, Smith should see the bulk of the passing-game work on Sunday, although Hunt figures to get the majority of the touches on the ground.
Smith has a very favorable matchup, also. The Buffalo Bills are giving up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position and if this game turns into a shootout, which is possible, Smith could get a lot of passing-game work.
Smith is someone to add in all formats and he's a viable starter in Week 9, although he's more of a fringe flex option than a locked-in starter because of Hunt's presence.
Verdict: Start
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