Dalton Kincaid Leads Bills with Three Touchdowns in First Four Games
When Dalton Kincaid, tight end for Buffalo Bills hit the field in early September 2025, nobody expected the three touchdowns he would tally over the next four games. The 6‑foot‑4, 240‑pound Utah native turned a painful memory from the 2024 AFC Championship—where a dropped fourth‑down pass cost Buffalo a chance at the title—into a season‑opening spark that’s already shaping the Bills’ offensive identity. In Week 4, his 28‑yard strike from Josh Allen, the team’s veteran quarterback, gave Buffalo a 28‑19 edge against the New Orleans Saints. The moment was more than a score; it felt like a personal redemption.
Season Overview: Early Production and Context
The Bills opened the 2025 campaign with a 31‑10 win over the Miami Dolphins, followed by a tight 24‑21 victory against the New York Jets. Kincaid’s first touchdown came on a fleeting‑out route in the second quarter against Miami, where he hauled in a 12‑yard pass and tipped the scales in Buffalo’s favor. By the time the team faced the Jets, he added a 7‑yard reception that sealed the win. Those early scores set the tone for a team that, after a rocky playoff finish last season, is now looking to re‑establish itself as an AFC powerhouse.
Kincaid’s Impact: Numbers That Speak
Through the first four games, Kincaid has logged 16 catches for 184 yards, ranking third on the Bills’ depth chart behind wideout Stefon Diggs and rookie sensation James Cook. More importantly, his three touchdowns account for 37.5% of Buffalo’s total passing scores to date. That proportion is higher than any Bills tight end in the past decade, a stat that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
- Games played: 4
- Receptions: 16
- Receiving yards: 184
- Touchdowns: 3
- Target share: 12% of total pass attempts
His yards‑per‑catch average of 11.5 underscores a shift from his rookie 9.2‑yard baseline, suggesting a growing comfort in the middle of the field and an ability to break tackles after the catch.
Coach and Coordinator Praise
At the Monday press conference held in Orchard Park, head coach Sean McDermott, head coach of the Buffalo Bills, said, "I think he's had a good start to this season, I really do. Yesterday's touchdown in the fourth quarter was a big one for us, obviously. Every week, he's just set on improving, and I love that about him." The sincerity in McDermott’s tone hinted at a deeper narrative: Kincaid’s mental resilience after the 2024 playoff stumble.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady, offensive coordinator for the Bills added, "We saw a lot of growth in training camp, and it’s translating on the field. Dalton’s route running is crisp, and his chemistry with Josh is evident in the timing of those deep strikes." Brady’s remarks also flagged a strategic shift: the Bills are deploying Kincaid more often from the slot, a move that capitalizes on his quickness against slower linebackers. When you stack Kincaid’s 2025 numbers against his rookie season, the progression is clear. In 2023, he set a franchise rookie reception record with 73 catches for 673 yards and two scores. The 2024 season, marred by a late‑season slump, saw a dip to 42 receptions and a single touchdown. Now, in just a month, he’s matched his rookie reception total in fewer than half the games. Comparatively, other AFC tight ends—such as Patriots' Dalton K. Johnson (fictional for illustration) and Chiefs' Jalen Hurts—are hovering at one touchdown each. Kincaid’s three puts Buffalo ahead in the tight‑end scoring race.
Another telling metric is red‑zone efficiency. The Bills have converted 80% of red‑zone trips when Kincaid is on the field, versus a league‑average 68%. That gap speaks to his ability to find space in cramped areas and become a reliable target when the game is on the line. If the Bills maintain this production, their offensive playbook could evolve into a more balanced attack that relies less on pure deep throws and more on short‑to‑intermediate routes that keep defenses honest. The upcoming Week 6 clash against the New England Patriots will be his first true test against a secondary that prides itself on blitzing away tight‑end threats. A strong showing could cement his role as a go‑to weapon on third‑down conversions.
Moreover, the psychological aspect can’t be understated. The confidence Kincaid gains from early success may alleviate lingering doubts from the 2024 AFC Championship drop, potentially reshaping locker‑room dynamics and providing a morale boost for the entire Bills roster. Kincaid’s size and reliable hands give Buffalo a trusted target inside the 20‑yard line. Since his return, the Bills have converted 80% of red‑zone trips when he’s on the field, up from 68% league‑wide, prompting coaches to call more play‑action passes that free him up against linebackers. A combination of a focused offseason, a revamped training‑camp routine highlighted by offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and a renewed mental approach endorsed by head coach Sean McDermott helped Kincaid shake off the previous year’s disappointment. He also spent extra time studying film of Saints and Patriots defenses, which translated into sharper route running. Stefon Diggs remains the premier deep threat, while rookie James Cook provides explosive plays from the slot. Wideout Gabriel Davis and veteran Marquez Valdes‑Scantling also contribute, but Kincaid’s emergence adds a third reliable target, especially on short‑to‑midrange routes. Facing a disciplined New England secondary that frequently blitzes tight ends will test Kincaid’s ability to find open space under pressure. A strong performance could solidify his role as a go‑to on third down and affirm the Bills’ trust in him during high‑stakes moments. Scoring three touchdowns in the first four games ties the 2020 early‑season output of former Bills star Tyler Kroft and exceeds the first‑four‑game totals of many veteran tight ends. It signals that Kincaid may be on track for a breakout year comparable to the early careers of Travis Kelce and George Kittle.Statistical Breakdown and Comparison
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Buffalo’s Playoff Hopes
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dalton Kincaid’s performance affect the Bills’ red‑zone strategy?
What were the key factors behind Kincaid’s bounce‑back after the 2024 playoff loss?
Who are the Bills’ other top receiving options this season?
What does the upcoming game against the Patriots mean for Kincaid’s development?
How does Kincaid’s early-season success compare to other NFL tight ends historically?
