Chicago Bears Running Back Duo Gets High Ranking From NFL Analyst
The Chicago Bears’ offense took a massive step forward in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach, and one NFL analyst believes the team’s backfield deserves a huge share of the credit.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame recently ranked the top running back duos in the NFL and placed Chicago’s pairing of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai at No. 4 overall heading into the 2026 season.
Considering the Bears entered last year with plenty of questions about their rushing attack, that’s a remarkable rise for a backfield that quickly became one of the league’s most productive units.
Chicago Bears Get Career Year From Swift
Much of the Chicago Bears’ success on the ground started with Swift. The veteran running back enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, rushing for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns while helping power Chicago to an NFC North title. It marked just the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his NFL career and showcased exactly why Johnson was eager to feature him in the offense.
After spending years flashing potential with previous teams, Swift finally found the perfect fit in Chicago’s scheme. Johnson’s offense consistently created opportunities for Swift to exploit space, and the veteran took full advantage throughout the season.
Kyle Monangai Emerged as a Major Surprise
While Swift garnered most of the headlines, rookie Kyle Monangai played a huge role in Chicago’s rushing success.
The seventh-round pick exceeded every expectation by rushing for 783 yards and five touchdowns in a complementary role. His production was especially impressive considering he wasn’t the featured back.
In fact, according to Verderame, no running back who ranked second on his own team in rushing yards had more production than Monangai in 2025.
That’s a testament to both Monangai’s talent and the effectiveness of Chicago’s rushing attack. Having a reliable second option allowed the Bears to keep Swift fresh throughout the season while maintaining one of the NFL’s most dangerous ground games.
Ben Johnson’s System Is Paying Off
When the Bears hired Johnson, many expected Chicago’s running game to improve. After all, Johnson helped orchestrate one of the NFL’s most productive rushing attacks during his time with the Detroit Lions, maximizing the talents of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Those expectations quickly became reality in Chicago.
The Bears finished among the NFL’s top rushing teams, averaging more than 140 rushing yards per game. Their balanced approach helped fuel an 11-6 record and ultimately led to a division title.
Now entering Year 2 under Johnson, there’s reason to believe the offense could become even more explosive.
Caleb Williams Could Make Life Easier for the Backfield
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into 2026 is the continued development of quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears are hopeful Williams can become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. If that happens, defenses will face an impossible challenge.
Opponents would be forced to devote more resources to slowing down the passing attack, potentially opening larger rushing lanes for Swift and Monangai.
Williams’ mobility also creates additional stress on defenses by forcing them to account for his ability to extend plays and pick up yardage with his legs.
That combination could make Chicago’s rushing attack even more dangerous than it was last season.
Bears Showing Confidence in Their Running Backs
Perhaps the strongest endorsement of Swift and Monangai came during the offseason. Chicago made no significant additions to its running back room, signaling complete confidence in the players already on the roster.
The Bears clearly believe their current duo is capable of leading another playoff-caliber offense.
With a strong offensive line, a creative play-caller in Johnson, and an ascending quarterback under center, the conditions are in place for Swift and Monangai to build on their breakout campaign.
A Top-Five Unit With Room to Climb
Being ranked as the NFL’s fourth-best running back duo is impressive on its own, but there’s an argument the Bears could climb even higher if both players continue developing.
Swift is coming off a career year, Monangai looks like one of the league’s biggest draft steals, and Johnson’s scheme has already proven it can maximize rushing production.
After helping lead Chicago to a division title in 2025, the Bears’ backfield is no longer flying under the radar.
Heading into 2026, the rest of the NFL is starting to recognize what Bears fans already know: Swift and Monangai have become one of the league’s most dangerous running back tandems.
