Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Kyle Monangai

Monday, November 24, 5:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but he was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated practice report, per SI.com's Jay Morrison. It's notable since rookie Tahj Brooks was already ruled out for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion he suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. As long as Perine doesn't suffer a setback with his ankle on Tuesday or Wednesday, he figures to be active in Week 13 to serve as the Bengals' No. 2 RB behind starter Chase Brown. The 30-year-old doesn't have standalone fantasy football value in a depth role, though. In 32 rushing attempts in 2025, Perine has 198 rushing yards and one score on the ground, adding 30 receiving yards.

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.