New York, December 06, 2025
Fantasy football players approaching Week 14 should prioritize adding running backs Kyle Monangai of the Chicago Bears and Zonovan “Bam” Knight of the Arizona Cardinals due to their expanding roles, consistent production, and availability as critical free agents for the fantasy playoffs.
Kyle Monangai – RB, Chicago Bears
In Week 13, the Chicago Bears surged to an unexpected 281 rushing yards against the Philadelphia Eagles, with Monangai and teammate D’Andre Swift combining for nearly 40 PPR fantasy points. Monangai has delivered double-digit fantasy points in five of his last seven games and has registered several 100-yard rushing performances. His role has evolved into a core element of the Bears’ backfield, handling early-down and short-yardage duties while increasingly contributing as a receiver.
The Bears’ improved offensive line and run scheme under coordinator Ben Johnson have elevated the efficiency of their rushing attack. Monangai’s involvement makes him a reliable low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 option, especially valuable during the playoff stretch. His availability in most leagues — rostered in approximately 56% of ESPN leagues and fewer on other platforms — increases his value as a strategic addition.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight – RB, Arizona Cardinals
Bam Knight has ascended to the primary running back role for the Arizona Cardinals due to Trey Benson’s ongoing knee injury absence, despite Benson’s eligibility to return. Knight has posted double-digit fantasy points in three consecutive games, including a strong 16.8-point performance in Week 13. Utilized as a three-down back, he manages rushing attempts, targets in the passing game, and short-yardage situations.
With Benson still sidelined and limited in practice, Knight retains starter status, outpacing backup Michael Carter. His presence offers a high-floor RB3 or flex option with potential starter upside, supported by a favorable Cardinals schedule in the coming weeks. Knight is also widely available, rostered in roughly 37% of ESPN leagues, positioning him as an opportunistic pickup.
Fantasy Playoff Implications
As fantasy football playoffs commence, securing volume-based running backs with defined roles and consistent usage is vital. Both Monangai and Knight fit this profile, moving beyond mere streaming options to essential contributors within competitive offenses. Their combination of availability, recent production, and role security makes them low-risk, high-reward targets for teams seeking to bolster depth and reliability at the running back position.
These strong backfield roles also reflect broader trends in the NFL’s evolving rushing attacks, where injuries and team dynamics open opportunities for emerging players to seize significant responsibility. For fantasy managers, capitalizing on such opportunities early can be decisive in playoff success.
With Week 14 marking a pivotal point in fantasy schedules, adding Kyle Monangai and Bam Knight now can provide a crucial advantage. Their growing roles and consistent output amid changing NFL rosters underscore their immediate value and potential to impact championship outcomes.