Audric Estime vs Kyle Monangai: Who Should You Start?
Audric Estime and Kyle Monangai are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Audric Estime averaged 6.0 PPG across 7 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Kyle Monangai posted 8.1 PPG in 17 appearances for the Chicago Bears.
A 2.1-PPG gap gives Kyle Monangai the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Audric Estime ran for 198 yards and 1 touchdowns; Kyle Monangai posted 783 and 5. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Audric Estime is off Week 12 and Kyle Monangai Week 7. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
