Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
12.5 57.7 0.5 2.0 16.3 0.1

D'Andre Swift News

D'Andre Swift a Middle-Round Value in an Ascending Offense

Monday, August 17, 5:26 AM

Throughout his first six years in the league, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has had his detractors, but he has never finished outside the top 24 of his position, and in reuniting with head coach Ben Johnson in 2025, he turned in a career-best RB15 fantasy finish. Splitting work with rookie Kyle Monangai (knee), Swift topped 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in his career while tying his high mark of 10 total touchdowns. Monangai left Sunday's practice with a knee injury, and while it's not believed to be overly serious, his absence serves as a reminder that any time missed could lead to a bell-cow role for Swift in what projects to be one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league. Currently being drafted as the RB22, Swift can meet expectations simply by performing to the level he always has, but with multiple avenues for further upside, he could prove to be one of the better values in the middle rounds of 2026 drafts.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza Throws Pick-Six in First Preseason Start

Friday, August 21, 6:50 AM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first professional start in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans, and on the team's opening drive, he threw an interception to rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. Playing the entire first half, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft led four more drives, resulting in a field goal and three punts before Aidan O'Connell took over in the second half and managed a come-from-behind victory. Along with a handful of starters, veteran Kirk Cousins was given the night off following a productive joint practice with the Texans, but after the game, head coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starter for the regular season. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." Barring an unforeseen surprise, Mendoza will begin his rookie campaign backing up Cousins. Still, he has reportedly impressed behind the scenes and could find the field earlier than initially projected, making him an intriguing late-round pick in superflex leagues as RotoBaller's QB29.


D'Andre Swift vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Swift and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that D'Andre Swift is projected to score 12.5 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.