Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Kyle Monangai

Thursday, June 4, 6:19 AM

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai was a fantasy difference-maker whenever given volume as a seventh-round rookie in 2025. Twice in his debut season, he handled more than 15 carries in a game, and in those two outings, he averaged 153 rushing yards while scoring 22.2 half-PPR fantasy points per game. He still projects as the 1B to seventh-year veteran D'Andre Swift in what should again be a well-run Bears offense, providing him with a usable floor from the flex spot, while his proven ability to capitalize on an increased workload makes him one of the more attractive handcuffs in the league. That said, there's a chance he's now being overvalued in dynasty leagues, coming into 2026 as RotoBaller's RB27, ranking ahead of several current starters. His rookie season sample size was small, and his best game came against a Bengals defense that allowed a league-worst 2,500 rushing yards. While ultimately unsuccessful, the Bears have been active in trying to acquire top running back talent in each of the past two offseasons, and as a late-Day 3 pick, Monangai is by no means irreplaceable even if he does carve out a larger role in his second season. Monangai is fully capable of taking a sizable step forward in year two, but with his long-term viability less clear, rebuilding dynasty managers would be wise to sell on the back of any growing training camp hype or an early-season boom game.