We are at roughly the halfway point of the fantasy football regular season. As a result, players like Brashard Smith and Kyle Monangai are starting to be looked at as viable fantasy options. As injuries continue to pile up, depth options like Smith and Monangai are needed by more players. Both rookie running backs have had strong seasons and could be great pickups on the waiver wire. Here, we will examine which RB has the better fantasy outlook.
Brashard Smith Outlook
Kansas City Chiefs RB Brashard Smith has been good this season after being selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. He has 22 carries this season for 67 yards. He got more action last week, making 14 carries for 39 yards. Smith has had roughly 15% of the snap share in the backfield this season and had his best performance of the season in Week 7.
While this performance was encouraging, it should not be taken at face value. Smith was given several snaps after the Chiefs already took a sizable lead against the Raiders. This likely would not have happened if it were a closer game.
Kyle Monangai Outlook
Chicago Bears RB Kyle Monangai is another 2025 NFL draft seventh-round pick. He has been a more consistent part of the rotation for the Bears, making 35 carries for 81 yards and one TD. Last week, against New Orleans, he had his best game of the season, making 13 carries for 81 yards and one TD.
While D’Andre Swift will continue to get the majority of the snap share, head coach Ben Johnson has been more willing to use Monangai in recent games.
Ben Johnson finally unleashed RB Kyle Monangai
-13 attempts
-81 rushing yards
-1 rushing TD
-2 receptions
-13 receiving yardsCongrats to the rookie on the big day 🔥pic.twitter.com/d9ghQl3w64
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) October 19, 2025
Verdict
While both rookies have had good performances this season, Kyle Monangai is the better option. The Bears have shown a willingness to use Monangai throughout the season, even in close games.
Conversely, the Chiefs have not given Brashard Smith many opportunities to take snaps. He has only been used in blowout games, and as a result, if you are looking for a waiver wire pick-up, Kyle Monangai is the better option.
Read More:
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Fantasy Football Sleepers: Top 5 Underrated RBs Who Could Shine in Week 8 Ft. Rachaad White
NFL Fantasy Start ’Em, Sit ’Em Week 8 WR: Top Players to Target, Best Waiver Wire Picks, and More
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