Kenneth Walker vs Kyle Monangai: Who Should You Start?
Kenneth Walker and Kyle Monangai are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Kenneth Walker averaged 10.4 PPG across 17 games with the Kansas City Chiefs, while Kyle Monangai posted 8.1 PPG in 17 appearances for the Chicago Bears.
A 2.3-PPG gap gives Kenneth Walker 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. Kenneth Walker ran for 1027 yards and 5 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: Kenneth Walker is off Week 6 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.
