Hot Take #1
Trey Benson Becomes 2023 Kyren Williams
Trey Benson is taking over for an injured James Conner, and for that, we are excited. I wish James Conner a speedy recovery, but for fantasy purposes, this is exciting. The younger and cheaper player in a lot of teams’ lineups just became extremely valuable. He has a full workload ahead of him, and there is nothing in his way. Emari Demarcado will not be the downfall of Trey Benson.
Kyren Williams took over the Rams’ backfield around week four in 2023. Those who picked him up off the waiver wire reaped the benefits of having a true RB1 coming off the waiver wire. He totaled 1300+ yards and 15 total touchdowns. Unbelievable production from a waiver wire pick up. Now, Benson is not available on many wires; if so, PICK HIM UP. Try to make a trade for him as well. Benson is on a team that is off to a 2-1 start and looks solid week to week from a fantasy standpoint.
If Benson takes over the exact role of James Conner, that is exciting. But if he takes the next step up, which a lot of people within the fantasy community think he can do, he will become a top-10 RB. Conner averaged over 1300 yards the last two years, and if he can make that work. That would be great. The Cardinals are also a good team, giving him ample opportunity to be successful in the league.
Hot Take #2
James Cook establishes himself as the RB1 Overall in Fantasy Football
James Cook has been unbelievable in fantasy this year. Many people thought he would become a massive bust after a great season and a half in 2023 and 2024. He leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns through 4 weeks with four touchdowns. He does not have a ton of yards, but throughout each game has made an impact when and where it matters. He has also been getting some receiving work that looks promising.
Many Bills Fans thought that Ray Davis would see a larger workload heading into this season, but that could not be further from the truth. He has seen 10 opportunities for 26 yards this season. His production has amounted to almost nothing worth worrying about, even if Cook gets hurt. Obviously, you would like to have him, but he is not a threat unless there is an injury.
Cook will be seeing the New Orleans Saints defense on Sunday, and ultimately, that could be the last nail in the coffin for that team. It also could make James Cook a certified Top-3 RB. He will have a ton of opportunities to run the ball because the Bills are heavily favored. He should get passing work early in the game and a heavy workload when the game is out of hand. He can, of course, break a long one as well if needed. Cook will be top-5 at the end of the season, barring injury, and this could be the game that we remember when we look back on his incredible season.
Hot Take #3
The Rams and Colts are the Highest Scoring Teams in Week 4
The Rams and Colts have been two stellar teams to start the 2025 season. Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen has given Daniel Jones a resurgence. I am excited to see what he has to offer coming through to their first intense matchup this season. The Rams have looked like one of the best teams in the NFL so far this season, boasting a stellar defense. However, we did see that falter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. The Rams let up a 26-7 lead to Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, and it is not impenetrable after all.
Shane Steichen has given Daniel Jones so many opportunities for success this season, which allows for an absolute positive outlook for the Colts. They have famously punted less than any 3-0 team in NFL history, and it looks like their first real test will be in week 4. Jonathan Taylor looks like he has hit the 2021 Jonathan Taylor fountain of youth (Not that he is old). Michael Pittman Jr. looks the best he has in a few years and finally has a capable passer giving him looks.
Josh Downs has not been extremely stellar from a fantasy point of view, but has been the perfect complementary piece to that Colts offense. Tyler Warren looks like a rookie sensation, similar to Brock Bowers a season ago. I do think that this team will have the ability to compete with a good Rams defense and match the Rams offense.
The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most exciting offenses in football, headlined by future Hall of Fame, Matthew Stafford. Stafford looks poised to have a great season once again and has two elite receivers to go to. He is supporting two top-20 receivers, and one of them is possibly the number one overall wide receiver in fantasy this season. Puka Nacua has been unbelievable. He has averaged almost 10 receptions a game and over 100 yards. He still has not had a receiving touchdown this season, which, with his production, is only a matter of time.
Davante Adams has been an awesome complementary piece to the Rams’ offense. Cooper Kupp’s age hurt the Rams the last two seasons, and even though Adams is a similar age, it does not seem to be stopping him at all. Kyren Williams is also a great complementary running back to this offense, who is great in short-yardage situations. This game will be an absolute classic. I can feel that this will be the star of the four o’clock window.
