Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or J.K. Dobbins

Saturday, August 30, 6:18 PM

Dan Wiederer of The Athletic believes Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift could surpass 1,500 yards from scrimmage this season. While that mark may not be realistic, there are more than a few reasons to believe Swift might be in line for his best year to date. Ben Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator and new Bears head coach, was instrumental in the success of Jamaal Williams, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs. With Johnson "devoted" to the run and the Bears lacking proven depth in the backfield, the door is open for Swift to thrive. The 26-year-old has bounced around the National Football League since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 73 regular-season contests with the Lions, Eagles, and Bears, he's accumulated 3,688 yards and 29 touchdowns off 846 carries, adding eight more scores as a pass-catcher. Quarterback Caleb Williams will certainly get his opportunities to run in 2025. However, Swift should remain atop the depth chart as long as he's productive. If not, rookie Kyle Monangai could be the favorite to take over in the backfield.

Friday, September 5, 9:59 AM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins is the starter on the team's first depth chart ahead of rookie second-rounder RJ Harvey heading into Sunday's Week 1 regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans. While many expect Harvey to eventually take over lead-back duties in 2025, head coach Sean Payton has a soft spot for veterans, and Dobbins will play a key role in Denver's backfield. Dobbins played in only nine games from 2021-23 with Baltimore due to injuries, but he had a career-best 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with the Chargers last year. Facing a Titans team that was very vulnerable on the ground a year ago, Dobbins will have RB3/flex value in Week 1 for fantasy managers, although the presence of Harvey definitely will lower his ceiling. With Harvey struggling in pass protection in camp, Dobbins should be Denver's go-to back on third downs as well.