Should I Start Dalton Kincaid In Week 1? Fantasy Football Outlook

Tight end Dalton Kincaid has the potential to become a difference-maker for the Buffalo Bills. He had 890 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his final seasons with the Utah Utes. He also developed a rapport with quarterback Josh Allen in their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The rookie from Nevada caught three passes out of four targets for 45 yards. While the Bills lost that game, Allen and Kincaid have started their connection, which could put them over the top. Buffalo needs every improvement it can get, and Kincaid could be the spark to bring them back their first Super Bowl title.

However, tempering expectations with him is best, especially in his first game as a pro. The regular season differs from the preseason, and the lights might be too bright for him. Other factors might affect his performance in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season.

Will the Bills Be Cautious with Dalton Kincaid?

The Bills wouldn’t trade two spots up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft if they didn’t have big plans for Kincaid. But for now, he must share snaps with Dawson Knox. He will get opportunities, though, mainly when offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey uses two-tight-end sets.

At 6’4”, 240 lbs., Kincaid is a match-up nightmare for smaller defensive backs and slower linebackers. However, their Week 1 opponents are no piece of cake. Standing in their way to open the season with a victory are the New York Jets.

While Aaron Rodgers gets most of the attention on the Jets, their defensive unit is stacked. They’ve got Quinnen Williams, who finished with 55 tackles and 12 sacks as a defensive tackle. Linebacker C.J. Mosley covered the middle of the field and finished with 158 tackles last season.

The Jets have playmakers in the secondary, especially D.J. Reed and 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner. He has the height and the speed to match up with Kincaid if he gets loose from the linebackers.

These players helped the Jets rank third in passing yards allowed (189.4) and fourth in points allowed (18.6) per game last season. Playing at home gives them an additional boost to stop the Bills’ high-powered offense.

Because of these scenarios, starting Dalton Kincaid in Week 1 isn’t a good decision. However, keeping him in your fantasy football squad as a flex option is nice because he is expected to improve as the season progresses.

More Fantasy Football Analysis