Buffalo Bills’ Dynamic Duo: Cook and Kincaid Emerge as Leaders

Something feels different about this 2025 Buffalo Bills team. Although they have started 4-0 and quarterback Josh Allen is posting a career-high quarterback rating of 109.7, the key difference is the emergence of Allen’s supporting cast. The transformation into a team with explosive offensive playmakers is what truly sets the 2025 Bills apart and forms the basis for optimism this season. Building on these observations, Josh Allen’s importance has long defined the Bills. In previous seasons, the offense depended almost exclusively on him, leading to postseason frustrations despite his individual excellence. The critical point for 2025 is that the maturation of players around Allen is shifting the team’s fortunes. This development could be the breakthrough the Bills have been waiting for. Historically, the Bills’ postseason disappointments echoed those of elite quarterbacks like Dan Marino and John Elway, who lacked elite supporting casts. When the Broncos finally added top talent around Elway, they broke through to championships. The 2025 Bills now feature the crucial combination of an elite quarterback, tight end, and running back, supporting the main argument that this new team dynamic is their key to success.

The Bills’ Running Game has the Right Recipe with Cook

Running back James Cook is on track for his best season since his 2022 draft. After four games, he has rushed for 401 yards and 5 touchdowns on 75 carries—an average of 5.35 yards per carry. In 2024, Cook posted 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns at 4.88 yards per carry. If he maintains this pace, Cook will be among the NFL’s top running backs. Much of Allen’s success this season ties directly to Cook’s productive running.

Buffalo Tight End Dalton Kincaid is Blowing Up

Tight end Dalton Kincaid is reaching new heights in 2025. This week, he caught his third touchdown of the season; before 2025, he had only four total. So far, Kincaid has 14 catches for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 12.79 yards per catch compared to 9.58 previously. For years, an elite tight end has been essential for a Super Bowl contender, and Kincaid is becoming that for the Bills.

Young Defenders are Playing their Role

In addition to Kincaid and Cook, young defenders are stepping up their game. Safety Cole Bishop made a standout one-handed interception as the Bills beat the Saints 31-19. Although the defense has struggled against the run, it has created key turnovers to secure wins. Bishop, a 2024 second-round pick, now plays a crucial role, totaling 16 solo tackles, three assists, a sack, and an interception this season.

Bills Need to Keep Building Momentum

While starting the 2025 season with four straight wins is impressive, it is worth noting that the Bills’ first four opponents have collectively won only one game so far this season.  While the Bills had to go above and beyond to defeat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, they have played down to their opponents the last two weeks.  Buffalo needs to continue focusing on expanding the use of Cook, Kincaid, and the rest of the Bills’ supporting cast.  Next week, the Bills will play against the New England Patriots, and even in recent seasons, the Bills have tended to struggle against New England.  These are the types of games that will prove whether or not Allen is ready to completely trust his supporting cast, or if it has just been a result of playing weaker opponents.

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