Preseason TE rankings recognize Bills’ Dalton Kincaid, disrespect Dawson Knox

While 2023 first-round tight end Dalton Kincaid continues to garner preseason attention for the Buffalo Bills, seasoned veteran Dawson Knox has been somewhat overlooked.

In ranking the top 25 fantasy football tight end options (ideal for PPR formats), ESPN ranked Kincaid No. 6. After making 73 receptions in 16 regular-season games as a rookie, Kincaid slots in between No. 5 Evan Engram (Jaguars) and No. 7 George Kittle (49ers).

Detroit Lions second-year tight end Sam LaPorta leads the position rankings, followed by Kansas City Chiefs star and boyfriend of pop sensation Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, at No. 2. Knox, a sixth-year veteran, is not among the top 25 fantasy tight end prospects.

After setting the Bills’ rookie receptions record, Kincaid should become a top target for quarterback Josh Allen in the passing game. Kincaid’s value was actually boosted when Buffalo decided to part ways with WR1 Stefon Diggs and WR2 Gabe Davis.

Diggs and Davis have released a combined 241 targets, many of which could end up going Kincaid’s way. The Bills’ first-round talent has posted an 80.2 catch percentage in 2023.

Knox, who earned Allen’s trust years ago, never really found his groove as a fifth-year freshman. He missed five regular-season games because of midseason wrist surgery.

Knox, 27, who recently got married, had 186 yards and two touchdowns on 22 receptions, the lowest performance of his career.

With Buffalo likely to heavily deploy two-TE formations under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Knox, if healthy, should get plenty of opportunities. He had back-to-back 500-plus receiving yards before the 2023 disappointment.

Knox’s past performance with Allen makes a strong case for a promising career, especially if the tight end sticks around until the late rounds of your fantasy draft. His high payoff potential comes from his proven red zone prowess.

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Allen isn’t afraid to look Knox’s way when he’s inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He has 15 TD receptions in 30 regular-season appearances heading into 2023.

Knox scored six touchdowns late in the season. He found the end zone four straight years in AFC Wildcard victories.

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