Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his standout performance in Week 1 of the NFL season. Swift rushed for 124 yards and scored three touchdowns on 18 carries, in addition to catching one pass for 10 yards. This marked a significant milestone as he became the first Bears running back to earn the honor since Jordan Howard in 2016, and the first Bears offensive player to receive the award in the opening week since Matt Forte in 2010.
Swift highlighted his teammates’ contributions in securing the recognition, emphasizing the collective effort of the offensive line and receivers. “It wasn’t possible without them,” Swift said, noting that the accolade reflected a team achievement as much as his individual success.
The Bears led the league in rushing yards during Week 1, totaling 291 yards on the ground. Swift’s efficiency was further underscored by his plus-8 expected points added (EPA), a metric that measures the impact of a player’s performance on winning probability. Among qualified ball carriers that week, only Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III posted a higher EPA.
This is the second time Swift has received the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award during the current season; he also earned the honor in Week 2 while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. Recently, the Bears secured Swift’s future with a three-year contract extension valued at $33.75 million, ensuring he remains with the team through the 2029 season.
Swift’s performance continues to position him as a key offensive asset for the Bears as they aim to build on their rushing game strengths moving forward.