If you're staring at your roster or just pacing around your living room wondering is DeAndre Swift playing today, I have some good news for you. He is. As of this Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, Swift is officially off the injury report and cleared for takeoff against the Los Angeles Rams.
This isn't just another game. We’re talking about the NFC Divisional Round at Soldier Field. The stakes are massive. The weather? Frigid. The vibes? Electric.
Honestly, it’s a relief. Swift has been the engine for this Chicago offense all year, and seeing him without an injury designation after some mid-season groin scares is exactly what Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams needed to see. Let's get into the weeds of what this means for the game and why his presence is basically everything for the Bears' chances of advancing to the NFC Championship.
The Official Word: Is DeAndre Swift Playing Today?
Yes. Swift is a full go. He wasn't even listed on the final injury report released by the Bears on Friday. While teammates like Rome Odunze and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are carrying "Questionable" tags into the evening, Swift is 100% clean.
You’ve probably seen the headlines from earlier in the season. There was a point in November where a groin injury kept him out of the lineup, and he had a brief scare again back in Week 16. But he looked like his old self in the Wild Card win over Green Bay last week. He touched the ball 15 times, racked up over 90 total yards, and punched in a crucial touchdown.
If you're wondering about the "active/inactive" list, that won't technically be out until about 90 minutes before the 5:30 p.m. CT kickoff. But since he’s not on the injury report, he’s not just playing—he’s starting.
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Why This Matchup Against the Rams Matters
The Rams' run defense is... okay. It's not the "Steel Curtain," but it isn't a sieve either. They’ve been middle-of-the-pack all year. Swift has historically done well against them, averaging about 70 yards a game in his recent matchups.
The cold is the real x-factor here. It's January in Chicago. The ball is going to feel like a rock. In these conditions, you don't want to rely solely on Caleb Williams throwing 45 times. You need a veteran back who can find the "dirty yards" between the tackles. Swift has proven he can do that, finishing the regular season with a career-high 1,087 rushing yards.
The Kyle Monangai Factor
Don't expect Swift to take every single snap. That’s just not how this Bears team operates anymore. The emergence of rookie Kyle Monangai has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025-26 season.
They’ve basically become a "1A and 1B" situation.
- Swift is the lightning. He’s the home-run threat and the primary target out of the backfield.
- Monangai is the hammer. He’s been getting more of those short-yardage, grinding carries.
Last week, Swift outpaced Monangai by five carries. Expect a similar split today. If the Bears get a lead early, they might lean on Monangai to salt the game away, but Swift is the guy who's going to help them build that lead in the first place.
What the Experts Are Saying
Most analysts, including the folks over at PFF who recently highlighted Swift's "breakout 2025 turnaround," think he's the key to unlocking the Rams' defense. If Swift can get involved in the screen game early, it slows down the Rams' pass rush. That gives Caleb Williams time to breathe.
There's a reason Swift has 40 red-zone carries this year. He’s the guy they trust when the field shrinks. If the Bears win this game, it’s almost certainly because Swift had 18+ touches and kept the chains moving in the sub-zero temperatures.
Fantasy and Betting Insights for the Divisional Round
If you’re playing DFS or just looking at the prop markets, the "99% chance to play" models from FantasyPros are spot on.
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- Rushing Yards: His line is usually hovering around 55-60 yards. He's hit the "over" on his rushing totals in over 60% of his games this year.
- Anytime TD: He’s scored 10 offensive touchdowns this season. Given the weather, the Bears are likely to keep the ball on the ground near the goal line.
- Receiving: Keep an eye on his targets. He’s averaged about 18-20 receiving yards a game. In a playoff atmosphere, he's a safety valve for his rookie QB.
Final Game Day Checklist
The Bears are hosting a playoff game at 5:30 p.m. CT. The stadium is going to be a frozen tundra. If you're heading to Soldier Field, the team has already issued warnings to dress in layers.
For the rest of us watching from the couch, rest easy knowing that is DeAndre Swift playing today is a question with a very firm "Yes." He’s healthy, he’s coming off a 90-yard performance, and he’s ready to lead this backfield.
Your Game Day Action Plan:
- Check the official inactives at 4:00 p.m. CT just to be 100% sure, but expect no surprises here.
- Watch the early weather reports—if the wind picks up, Swift’s carry count will likely go up.
- Keep an eye on the first two drives to see how the Bears are splitting the work between Swift and Monangai.
The Bears haven't been in this position in a long time. Having a healthy D'Andre Swift makes the path to the next round a whole lot smoother. Bear Down.