Who Should I Start? Hunter Luepke or Kyle Monangai

Wednesday, September 3, 9:47 AM

The Dallas Cowboys and fullback Hunter Luepke have agreed to a two-year contract extension worth up to $7.5 million, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo. The deal makes Luepke the second-highest paid fullback in the NFL, joining San Francisco's Kyle Juszczyk, behind Miami Dolphins' Alec Ingold. The third-year pro out of North Dakota State is coming off the best season of his career in 2024, when he tallied 149 yards and a touchdown on 24 touches. Beyond his production, Luepke proved his value as a versatile contributor, excelling as a runner, receiver, and blocker in the Cowboys' offense. With the extension secured, Luepke is expected to remain Dallas's starting fullback as the team prepares for a critical Week 1 divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Monday, November 24, 10:51 AM

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai recorded 12 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown in his team's 31-28 Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. After veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift coughed up a fumble early in the game against Pittsburgh, Monangai worked as the team's feature back for much of the remainder of the contest. There's no question that the 23-year-old is emerging as a key piece in the Bears' offense. Monangai has now scored a rushing touchdown in three straight weeks. For the season overall, he's recorded 461 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 99 carries. While Swift should be expected to remain the passing-downs back in Chicago, Monangai may be establishing himself as the team's preferred early-down and goal-line option. In any fantasy league with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Monangai should be a priority waiver-wire target heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.