NFL writer’s bold bet on D’Andre Swift could pay off for Bears in 2025

D’Andre Swift could be anything from a trade candidate to a stud who helps lead the Chicago Bears to the playoffs. Pro Football Focus appears to be on the bullish side in their season preview, using Swift as their best bet. 

"Reunited with Ben Johnson and running behind a revamped offensive line, Swift is positioned for a breakout year. Despite battling injuries in 2022 under Johnson, Swift still averaged over 5.5 yards per carry. The only other back to top 5.0 yards per carry in a Johnson-led offense is Jahmyr Gibbs, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in Detroit."

Dalton Wasserman

Swift could be in for a career-season in Chicago

The bet would equal 50 yards per game if he were to suit up every week. If you give him four weeks due to typical injury issues, that would be up to 65 yards per game. When you break it down in that manner, it seems reasonable. 

There is little competition when it comes to the lead-back role. Roschon Johnson is entering his third NFL and at this point, the question is more about how healthy he can stay if he takes on a bigger workload. Even a bigger workload would mean the lesser side of a split. 

The Bears could lean on rookie Kyle Monangai, but he did fall into round seven of the 2025 NFL draft for a reason. Monangai is going to get his chances, but it would make sense if it took him some time to adjust to the NFL. So, early on, it will be all Swift. 

As long as Swift can maintain health, he should coast to the over. Even if Johnson or Monangai emerge, both of them lean more towards the power, grinder-back type. Swift is a shift, speed back. If anything, it will be a 1a and 1b situation.

If Swift posts a few 100-yard games early on and ends up in a rotation with Monangai late, he could still hit this over.