D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have given the Chicago Bears a backfield that is beginning to attract attention across the NFL ahead of the 2026 season. As analysts evaluate the league’s top running back duos, Chicago’s pairing has earned recognition as one of the more intriguing combinations in football and a key component of the team’s offensive plans.
Swift enters the season as the established veteran and proven playmaker of the group. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to impact games as both a runner and receiver, providing versatility that fits well within modern offensive systems. His speed, vision and pass-catching ability make him a difficult matchup for defenses and an important weapon for an offense looking to take another step forward.
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) talks with Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) during a video review of a touchdown in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Monangai brings a different style to the Bears’ backfield. The young running back has generated excitement because of his physical running approach and willingness to embrace contact. His ability to gain tough yards and maintain offensive momentum complements Swift’s skill set, creating a combination that offers flexibility in a variety of situations. Chicago believes that balance could become a major strength throughout the season.
The contrast between the two runners is one reason the duo has received favorable evaluations. Swift’s explosiveness and open-field ability create opportunities for big plays, while Monangai’s power and determination help sustain drives and control the tempo of games. Together, they provide the Bears with multiple ways to attack opposing defenses and adapt to different game situations.
Chicago Bears’ D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai Named One of NFL’s Top RB Duos
Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) gestures toward the Green Bay Packers bench during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
The Swift-Monangai pairing was named one of the league’s top running back duos. This is detailed more in an analysis by Moe Moton for Bleacher Report.
Swift is coming off his most productive season in which he finished with career highs in rushing yards (1,087), rushing touchdowns (nine) and scrimmage yards (1,386).
As long as Swift avoids short-term injuries that plagued him early in his career, he could continue to see an increase in productivity entering his age-27 campaign.
As a pass-catcher, Monangai has seen limited action, but he’s already exceeded expectations as the No. 233 overall pick from last year’s draft.
Chicago’s coaching staff is expected to place a strong emphasis on offensive balance as quarterback Caleb Williams continues his development. A productive rushing attack can alleviate pressure on the passing game while creating favorable situations throughout the offense. If Swift and Monangai perform to expectations, they could become one of the driving forces behind the Bears’ pursuit of a playoff berth in a competitive NFC landscape.
While the rankings of NFL running back duos remain open to debate, there is little question that Chicago possesses a combination with significant potential. Swift’s experience paired with Monangai’s emerging talent gives the Bears reason for optimism entering the season. If both players remain healthy and productive, the duo could climb even higher in league-wide discussions and help elevate Chicago into contention as the 2026 campaign unfolds.