D'Andre Swift’s 200-Yard Showcase: How the Eagles’ Breakout Star Ignited a Primetime Upset

Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift enters the NFL’s inaugural Black Friday matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles with more questions than at any point in his first Windy City season. After losing a critical fumble and logging only 15 rushing yards on eight carries in Week 12, Swift ceded late-game snaps to rookie Kyle Monangai, prompting local analysts to slap a “stock down” label on the veteran back. Yet Chicago’s coaching staff insists the plan in Philadelphia still features Swift as the primary pass-catching option out of the backfield. Since Week 10 the former second-rounder has averaged 16.3 routes per game, converting 24 receptions into 224 yards this year, and bettors can find plus-money odds on just 15-plus receiving yards at major sportsbooks. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson noted this week that Swift’s “burst is back in practice” and hinted at designed screens to neutralize Philadelphia’s top-five pass rush. Key factors for Week 13 • Game script: Chicago is a seven-point underdog, increasing the likelihood of negative game flow that should boost Swift’s target share. • Snap split: Monangai has poached early-down and goal-line work, but he’s seen just one catch over the last three games, preserving Swift’s third-down monopoly. • Matchup edge: The Eagles’ defense allows 6.5 yards per reception to running backs, the seventh-worst mark in the league, and surrendered 55 receiving yards to Alvin Kamara in Week 11. Injury report and conditioning Swift avoided the mid-week injury report for the first time since tweaking his groin in October, and head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed that the veteran logged “full-go” participation on the shortened holiday practice schedule. Insiders say the staff placed an emphasis on ball security drills after last Sunday’s turnover. Fantasy and betting outlook 1. PPR leagues: Swift projects as a high-end RB 2 thanks to a 12–14 touch expectation and a realistic path to six-plus catches. 2. DFS tournaments: With public sentiment shifting toward Monangai, Swift profiles as a contrarian leverage play in single-game slates. 3. Prop market: Over 14.5 receiving yards remains the most attractive line, while an anytime-touchdown sprinkle pays out at +190. What it means for Chicago’s backfield hierarchy If Swift capitalizes on Friday’s national spotlight, he can reassert himself as the Bears’ every-down answer heading into a pivotal December stretch that features two division clashes in three weeks. A repeat of the Steelers let-down, however, would open the door for Monangai to claim a permanent committee lead, clouding both players’ fantasy value as playoff rosters are set. Bottom line Friday’s prime-time showcase is more than a novelty game—it is a referendum on D’Andre Swift’s role in the Bears’ 2025 playoff push. Expect Chicago to script early passes his way; whether he flips momentum or feeds the skeptics will hinge on ball security and red-zone efficiency against his former division rival.