After the way the season ended for Josh Allen and company, the Bills are as eager as anybody to get on the field. This article will serve as the 2023 Buffalo Bills fantasy football preview. I wouldn’t feel right talking about this year without first brushing over last season. Allen and Stefon Diggs picked up right where they left off in 2021, hooking up 108 times for 1,429 yards and 11 touchdowns. Allen threw for an additional 2,854 yards and 24 TDs, adding 762 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs. The Bills are still searching for a bonafide WR2 to emerge and take coverage away from Diggs. While Allen patiently waits for a running back to say, “I’ve got this Josh, no need for you to have 100+ rush attempts for the 5th straight season.” Let’s examine some key losses and additions to see if they’re any closer to this goal.
Buffalo Bills Fantasy Football Preview
Key Subtractions and Additions
The NFL is an ever-evolving landscape. Lucky for those who can’t get enough football, the last couple of NFL off-seasons have been very busy. This off-season was no different. There are tons of new faces in new places. Let us quickly get you caught up with the more notable moves that the Buffalo Bills made thus far in 2023.
Key players lost in free agency: QB- Case Keenum (Texans), LB- Tremaine Edmunds (Bears), WR- Isaiah McKenzie (Colts), WR- Jamison Crowder (Giants), RB- Devin Singletary (Texans)
Notable free agency additions: WR-Trent Sherfield (Dolphins), S- Taylor Rapp (Rams), RB- Latavius Murray (Broncos), RB- Damien Harris (Patriots), RG- Connor McGovern (Cowboys)
Additions via draft: TE- Dalton Kincaid, G- O’Cyrus Torrence, LB- Dorian Williams, WR- Justin Shorter
Positional Previews
Quarterback
Josh Allen is poised for yet another fantastic fantasy football season in 2023. Last year, Allen was one of the top quarterbacks in the league, finishing as the QB2 in fantasy scoring with 4,283 passing yards, 35 touchdown passes, and 762 rushing yards with 7 rushing touchdowns. Allen’s dynamic playing style, which includes both passing and rushing ability, makes him a valuable asset in fantasy football.
The only other quarterback listed on the roster is the newly acquired Kyle Allen. Last season Kyle Allen was given two starts. He completed 46 passes on 78 attempts, throwing for 416 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. The Bills will no doubt sign a “camp arm” or two when it comes time for the rookies to report. Overall, it’s safe to say that there will be no quarterback controversy.
The Bills have a solid offensive line and a young group of receivers led by Stefon Diggs. Allen’s connection with Diggs was lethal last year, with the wide receiver finishing as the overall WR4 in fantasy scoring. Allen doesn’t have many other proven weapons at his disposal, which may hinder his ability to spread the ball around.
Another factor contributing to Allen’s fantasy prospects is his rushing ability. He has rushed for at least 760 yards in each of his last two seasons and scored at least six rushing touchdowns in each season to date. His rushing ability provides a high floor for his fantasy production, as he can make up for a lack of passing yards or touchdowns with his legs.
Overall, Josh Allen is a top-tier quarterback in fantasy football, and his prospects for the 2023 season are excellent. He has a solid supporting cast and an offensive scheme that fits his skillset perfectly. Allen’s dual-threat ability makes him a reliable option for consistent fantasy production. He has the potential for explosive performances that can help win weeks. Fantasy managers should feel confident drafting Josh Allen as their starting quarterback in 2023.
Running Back
The Buffalo Bills’ backfield is a topic of great interest among fantasy football enthusiasts heading into the upcoming season. With the departure of Devin Singletary to the Texans, the team’s running back situation has shifted and opened up opportunities for other players. In particular, second-year player James Cook and newly added Damien Harris are generating significant buzz. The team also has Nyheim Hines (likely limited to special teams) on the roster as well as veteran, Latavius Murray.
James Cook was a relatively unknown player coming into the 2022 NFL season, but his rookie campaign was impressive. He saw limited playing time behind Singletary and Zack Moss, but he made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his speed and agility as a runner and his ability to contribute in the passing game. Cook finished the season with 507 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on just 89 carries, and he added 21 receptions for 180 yards and a score. With Singletary gone, Cook is expected to see an expanded role in the Bills’ offense and could emerge as a key contributor in both the running and passing game.
Meanwhile, the Bills made a significant offseason addition in the form of Damien Harris. Harris spent the past three seasons with the New England Patriots, where he served as a backup to Sony Michel and then took over as the lead back in 2021. Last season Harris played somewhat of a 1B to Rhamondre Stevenson’s 1A. Harris is a powerful runner who excels at breaking tackles and picking up tough yards, and he has shown the ability to contribute in the passing game as well.
Together, Cook and Harris form an intriguing duo in the Bills’ backfield. Cook brings speed and explosiveness, while Harris brings power and a proven track record of success in the NFL. The smart money is on Harris being the early down/goal-line banger, while Cook continues to expand his pass-catching role. Overall, it remains to be seen how the team will split carries between the two players, but both have the potential to be valuable fantasy contributors in their own right.
Wide Receiver
The Buffalo Bills wide receiver corps is one of the more exciting and productive units in the NFL, with Stefon Diggs leading the charge as the team’s top receiver. However, the departure of Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie has created some uncertainty around the rest of the team’s receiving options. Last season, Gabriel Davis was a boom-or-bust player, with some standout performances but also some quiet games. Meanwhile, Khalil Shakir emerged towards the end of the season as he got more comfortable in the Bills’ offense. Additionally, the team added Justin Shorter in the fifth round of the draft, a former standout receiver at the University of Florida.
Stefon Diggs is undoubtedly the Bills’ number one receiver and one of the most consistent fantasy performers in the league. With Diggs’ ability to get open and make plays, he will undoubtedly be a top target for Josh Allen and a strong fantasy option. After Diggs, there are some question marks around the rest of the Bills’ receivers. Gabriel Davis showed flashes of brilliance last season, finishing the year with 836 yards and 7 touchdowns on 48 receptions. However, his production was inconsistent, with several quiet games mixed in with his big performances. If Davis can become more consistent, he has the talent to be a valuable fantasy contributor.
Khalil Shakir is a young receiver who showed promise toward the end of the season. He recorded 161 yards and a touchdown on just 10 receptions in limited playing time. If he can continue to develop and earn a more prominent role in the Bills’ offense, he could turn into a solid sleeper pick in fantasy drafts.
The Bills also added Justin Shorter in the draft, a former standout at Florida who possesses excellent size and athleticism. While he is still unproven at the NFL level, Shorter has the potential to make an impact as a red-zone threat and could be a player to watch in dynasty leagues. Overall, the Bills’ receiving corps is anchored by Stefon Diggs, who should be a top fantasy option once again this season. While there are some question marks around the rest of the group, players like Gabriel Davis and Khalil Shakir have the talent to make an impact. Additionally, the addition of Justin Shorter adds another intriguing option for the future.
Tight End
The Buffalo Bills’ tight end position battle between Dawson Knox and rookie Dalton Kincaid is an interesting one from a fantasy football perspective. Dawson Knox has been the team’s primary tight end for the past two seasons, but he has yet to live up to his potential as a pass-catcher. Last season, he recorded just 517 yards and 6 touchdowns on 48 receptions.
Meanwhile, Dalton Kincaid is a rookie who played college football at Utah and was drafted by the Bills in the fifth round. He possesses excellent size and athleticism, and he has shown flashes of potential as a receiver during his college career. While he is still unproven at the NFL level, Kincaid could make an impact in the Bills’ offense this season.
From a fantasy football perspective, being a first-round pick may increase expectations for Kincaid’s potential production in his rookie season. However, as with any rookie tight end, there will be an adjustment period as he adapts to the NFL game, and it may take some time for him to develop into a consistent fantasy contributor.
The tight end position in fantasy football can be challenging to predict, as there are usually only a few elite options and the production can be sporadic. With Dawson Knox already established as the primary tight end in Buffalo, it remains to be seen how Kincaid will fit into the offense and what his role will be. As such, he may not be a viable fantasy option in his first year, but he is certainly worth monitoring throughout the season.
If Dawson Knox can take a step forward in his development and become a more consistent pass-catcher, he could be a valuable fantasy option. However, if he continues to struggle, Dalton Kincaid could see more playing time and become a sleeper pick in fantasy drafts. It’s worth keeping an eye on this position battle and seeing how it plays out during training camp and the preseason.
D/ST
The Buffalo Bills defense is a perennially strong unit, and they are likely to remain a popular choice in fantasy football circles this season. However, the loss of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who was traded to the Chicago Bears, is a significant blow to their defense. Edmunds was a key player for the Bills, recording 151 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2022. He took a step back last season, recording only 66 solo tackles. However, his absence will likely create a noticeable void in the middle of the defense.
On a more positive note, the re-signing of safety Jordan Poyer to a two-year deal is a major win for the Bills. Poyer is one of the best safeties in the league, and he has been a consistent producer in fantasy football over the past few seasons. In 2023, he recorded 44 tackles and 4 interceptions making him a decent IDP (Individual Defensive Player) in deeper fantasy leagues.
Overall, the Bills’ defense remains a solid option in fantasy football, despite the loss of Tremaine Edmunds. They have a talented group of players, including Pro Bowlers like Micah Hyde and Tre’Davious White, and they play in a division that features the offensively challenged Patriots.
From a fantasy perspective, the Bills’ defense is likely to be drafted a little too early in most leagues. They could provide a significant boost to your lineup depending on the matchup. But with Aaron Rodgers now in the division and the Dolphins getting even more speed following the draft, there may be some concerns going forward.
Get a head start on the 2023 fantasy football season and check out all of our Fantasy Team Previews!