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Championship Week is underway in fantasy, which of course means incentive season is now upon us in reality.
It’s always reassuring to know that a player on your virtual roster is chasing a potential six- or seven-figure payday tied to statistical milestones. Let’s take a look at five notable fantasy assets who should be highly motivated to achieve individual success in the closing weeks:
Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, Buccaneers
It should go without saying that team goals will supersede contract incentives for these two, because A) both of them are already stupid-rich and B) Tampa Bay is battling for the division title.
We will simply note that Mayfield has five distinct $500,000 regular season carrots ahead of him, based on finishing inside the top-five or 10 in the league in passer-rating, completion percentage, yards per attempt, passing TDs and yardage. As of this writing, heading into matchups with the Panthers and Saints, he is well-positioned to perhaps collect the full $2.5 million.
Evans will need to average 91 receiving yards over his final two games to keep his streak of 1,000-yard seasons alive. His contract also reportedly includes three million reasons to reach 70 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. With two games to play, he needs 13 catches, 182 yards and one additional TD to reach all three marks.
J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
It’s no great surprise that Dobbins signed a deal loaded with incentives, given his injury history. He’s already cleared two milestones triggering $150,000 bonuses at 600 and 750 rushing yards. Another $150K arrives if he hits 900, which would require an additional 134 yards over the season’s final two weeks. He’s eligible to return from IR against New England on Saturday, and was an estimated limited participant Wednesday, so this bonus is clearly in play.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Pollard seems to be running on fumes right now while managing an ankle injury — an unfortunate situation given how near he is to a pair of attainable incentives. He can collect $250K if he rushes for 1,100 yards on the season, plus another $250K if he delivers seven rushing TDs. Even at something less than full health, he definitely has a shot at the 83 rushing yards and two scores needed to hit those marks. Pollard is gonna need the surging Tyjae Spears to calm down, however.
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
Ertz is just 5 receptions, 62 yards and 2 touchdowns away from earning three separate $250,000 bonuses. If he truly feasts over the final two weeks, he has a shot at additional quarter-mil windfalls. Ertz had reached the end zone in three consecutive games before suffering a concussion in Week 15 against the Saints. He has a pair of beatable matchups ahead with Atlanta and Dallas, so he remains a viable fantasy option.
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