Dalton Kincaid’s Snap Count Dips in Bills’ Win Over Patriots - Here’s What We Know
The Buffalo Bills pulled off a thrilling 35-31 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, but one of the more surprising storylines didn’t come from the scoreboard - it came from the sideline. Rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid saw a noticeable drop in playing time, raising eyebrows given how integral he’s been to the offense in recent weeks.
Let’s unpack what happened - and what it might mean moving forward.
A Quiet Day for Kincaid
Kincaid, who has steadily carved out a larger role in Buffalo’s passing attack this season, was surprisingly quiet in this one. His snap count was down significantly, and he wasn’t featured in the game plan the way we’ve come to expect.
That’s not to say he was benched or injured - he was active and available. But the usage just wasn’t there.
It’s a curious development, especially considering how dynamic Kincaid has been as a pass-catching threat. The Bills have leaned on him in key moments this season, and his chemistry with Josh Allen has been one of the more encouraging signs for Buffalo’s offense.
So why the reduced role?
Personnel Packages and Game Flow
The most likely explanation comes down to game planning and personnel groupings. The Bills leaned heavily on 11 personnel (one tight end, one running back, three receivers) and even some 10 personnel (four receivers, no tight ends) in this matchup - formations that naturally limit tight end snaps.
It’s also worth noting that Dawson Knox, who recently returned from injury, saw more action. That could have contributed to Kincaid’s reduced workload, as Buffalo may be easing back into a more balanced tight end rotation.
Still, it’s not as if Kincaid has done anything to warrant a demotion. This feels more like a situational adjustment than a shift in the depth chart.
McDermott: “It Was Just the Flow of the Game”
Head coach Sean McDermott addressed the situation after the game, saying the decision wasn’t about performance. “It was just the flow of the game,” McDermott said. “We had a plan going in, and sometimes things shift depending on how the game unfolds.”
That’s a fair point. The Bills found themselves in a shootout, and with Josh Allen slinging it all over the field, they opted to spread things out more. In that kind of game, it makes sense to lean on speed and spacing - which often means more wideouts, fewer tight ends.
No Cause for Concern - Yet
If you’re a Bills fan or a fantasy football manager with Kincaid on your roster, this probably raised some red flags. But based on everything we’ve seen this season, there’s no indication this is a long-term trend.
Kincaid has proven he can be a reliable target, especially in the red zone and on third downs. His skillset is too valuable to shelve for long.
The Bills’ offense has been evolving all year, and part of that evolution is figuring out how to balance weapons like Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, James Cook, Knox, and Kincaid. Some weeks, certain matchups dictate different usage. This looks like one of those weeks.
Looking Ahead
With the playoff race heating up and every game carrying added weight, expect the Bills to continue tweaking their offensive approach. But don’t be surprised if Kincaid is right back in the mix next week. His versatility as a route-runner and ability to create mismatches against linebackers make him a key chess piece in Ken Dorsey’s offense.
Bottom line: Kincaid’s quiet afternoon in Foxborough was more about game flow than anything else. He’s still very much part of the Bills’ plans - and likely to be a big factor down the stretch.