Now that autumn has officially fallen upon us, it seems spooky things are occurring at an alarming frequency. Two of the four players I predicted to have massive performances were knocked out with concussions. In DeVonta Smith‘s case, it was due to a cheap, late hit because the officials swallowed their whistles long after forward progress had stopped. My blood was boiling. Trey McBride was also ruled out after failing to clear concussion protocol. I don’t know if my guys would have chased the greatness I had predicted for them, but it would have been nice to see them play the whole game.

The Falcons were driving to upset the Chiefs on Sunday night, but were derailed by yet another peculiar non-call in favor of the champs on a clear and obvious pass interference on Kyle Pitts in the end zone. One not-so-spicy conclusion I’ve drawn is the NFL would rather pay referees to be abysmal at their jobs because the fervor online and in media is a real windfall from engagement. I must respect the hustle, but shake my head in disappointment the consumers won’t get the best product any time soon. As much as you all might value my opinion, the National Football League simply doesn’t give a damn what any of us thinks. I’ll keep screaming into the void, praying my fortune cookie takes come true. Here are our fantasy football hot takes for Week 4 of the NFL season.

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Fantasy Football Hot Takes: Week 4

Colts Break Steelers Win Streak by Holding Them Without a Touchdown; Anthony Richardson is the QB1 with Four Touchdowns

You can tell it’s an offensive league when the most boring, unremarkable unit is given credit for the team’s 3-0 start earned by a ferociously dominant defense. The Steelers have been solid. Justin Fields has zero turnover-worthy plays this season, a far cry from his days in the Windy City. Arthur Smith has brought his unimaginably snooze-worthy concepts to the Steel City, resulting in three total touchdowns on the season. T.J. Watt and company have carried this team, but they haven’t seen a dynamic dual threat like they will this week in Indianapolis. Anthony Richardson has looked really rough as a passer in the early going. I believe he breaks contain on the Steelers’ pass rush all day and lights up the scoreboard, while the Pittsburgh offense spins their wheels in mediocrity.

Bucky Irving Leads Buccaneers in Rushing for Fourth-Consecutive Game, Scores 20 PPR Points; Tampa Bay Crushes Philadelphia by Two Touchdowns

It’s already happening like I foretold. Bucky Irving is everything Rachaad White will never be as a running back. He has great vision and patience, while shedding tackles in the middle of the field and setting up his blocks. White has been just as abysmal in all of those respects as his first couple seasons in Tampa Bay. Todd Bowles put it on record that Irving had “earned more snaps going forward.” It has been so glaringly obvious through three games that the rookie from Oregon is the better player. Without the heavy volume, White is virtually unusable in fantasy. The Bucs are actually a better team with a balanced running attack to complement Baker Mayfield and the receiving corps. The Eagles are likely to be without their two best receivers, while Nick Sirianni’s seat warms up considerably.

Raiders Pepper Freak Rookie Brock Bowers with Targets in 10-Reception, 100-Yard Barrage; Las Vegas Routs Cleveland, Who Bench Deshaun Watson for Jameis Winston

The Browns stink. They shut down a struggling Jaguars team, but Deshaun Watson is toast. He looks disinterested in playing sound football and has been sloppy with close games on the line. It’s high time Jameis Winston gets some action and showcases the leadership qualities needed to lead an NFL offense. The Raiders are on the heels of an embarrassing loss to Andy Dalton and the Panthers. The offense was not terrible, compared to the defense.

They struck gold in the 2024 NFL Draft with NorCal native Brock Bowers. He is so dynamic as a receiver and ball-carrier that the team’s lack of a starting caliber quarterback hasn’t affected his production at a position notorious for delayed returns on investment. Davante Adams is happy opposing defenses have to respect another guy and can’t bracket him as often. The Raiders are good for shootout games and sneaky fantasy spike weeks, so I’m riding the wave.

Buffalo Goes on the Road and Embarrasses Baltimore with 45 Points; Khalil Shakir Goes Ballistic with 150 Yards and Two Touchdowns

The Bills are really good. They very well could be the best team in the NFL, leaving pieces of the Jacksonville Jaguars scattered in their wake on Monday night. Josh Allen tossed a passing touchdown to four different receivers, including one to third string RB Ty Johnson. The Ravens have a stout defense, but have been a tick more exploitable without former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Khalil Shakir is the best receiver in Buffalo for my money. His versatility in every facet of this system has made him one of Allen’s most reliable options and a worthwhile fantasy start sit option. The Bills will continue to roll, but this time a more concerted effort will be made to get the ball in the Boise State grad’s hands. They will be rewarded. Those who plug Shakir in their starting lineups will be, too.