Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Kyle Monangai

Thursday, May 1, 3:25 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is expected to have a lesser version of the two-minute, passing-down role that he held near the end of his first tenure with the organization, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Perine spent the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons with the Bengals and secured 38 receptions in his final season with the team. After a year with Denver and a year with Kansas City, he's back in Joe Burrow's offense and will have somewhat of a role in the backfield. However, the 29-year-old is likely well past his prime, and Chase Brown showed enough to have confidence in him as a starting fantasy football running back in 2025. Either way, Perine could be worth rostering in deeper PPR setups based on this report.

Friday, June 6, 3:17 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that rookie seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai has "really stepped up" during mandatory minicamp, including catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams during a situational drill on Wednesday. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up," Johnson said of Monangai. The 23-year-old Rutgers product doesn't have excellent speed or hands for a running back, but he could be an asset for the Bears in short-yardage and goal-line situations down the road. D'Andre Swift is Chicago's clear lead back still heading into the 2025 season, but Monangai could have a real shot to battle with Roschon Johnson for the backup role. And we all know that Johnson has a history of a two-back system from his time running Detroit's offense. Monangai won't be on the redraft fantasy radar, though.