Score: Bills 31, Dolphins 21
Winner: TE Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid appears to be well on his way toward a breakout season in his third year. As a rookie, Kincaid posted good numbers with 73 receptions for 673 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, the tight end dealt with knee issues, and he couldn’t build upon his previous success. Year 3 looks completely different.
The Bills are searching for a No. 1 target in their offense. Kincaid led everyone Thursday with 66 receiving yards. He also added a touchdown reception, which is already his second this season. The 2023 first-round draft pick had two touchdown catches in each of his first two campaigns. Based on early returns, Kincaid is currently on pace to set career-highs in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown catches.
Loser: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
A glaring difference can be seen when Tua Tagovailoa takes the same field as Josh Allen. The latter is a perennial MVP candidate and one of the game’s top talents. The former has obvious limitations in what he can do within the Dolphins offense. This setup is particularly problematic for the Dolphins since the need to eventually eclipse their division rival.
While Allen continued to make plays, as he does week in and week out, Tagovailoa threw the game-defining interception with 3:06 remaining, while near the red zone and trailing by only seven points. The Dolphins are now 1-9 against the Bills when Tagovailoa is behind center. He hasn’t been good enough.
