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In the fantasy, Championship Week is underway, which of course means that incentive season is now upon us in reality.
It’s always reassuring to know that a player in your virtual squad is looking for a potential six- or seven-figure payday coupled with statistical milestones. Let’s take a look at five notable fantasy assets who should be highly motivated to achieve individual success in the final weeks:
Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, Buccaneers
It should go without saying that team goals will replace contract incentives for these two, because A) they’re both already stupid and B) Tampa Bay is competing for the division title.
We’ll simply note that Mayfield has five different $500,000 regular season roots ahead of him, based on finishing in the top five or ten in the league in passer rating, completion percentage, yards per attempt, passing TDs and distance. At the time of writing, heading into matchups with the Panthers and Saints, he is well positioned to collect perhaps the full $2.5 million.
Evans will need to average 91 receiving yards in 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 left, he needs 13 catches, 182 yards and one additional TD to reach all three marks.
JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
It’s not a huge surprise that Dobbins signed a deal loaded with incentives considering his injury history. He has already reached two milestones that provide $150,000 bonuses at 600 and 750 rushing yards. Another $150,000 will come in if he reaches 900, which would require another 134 yards over the final two weeks of the season. He is eligible to return from IR against New England on Saturday, and was estimated to be a limited participant on Wednesday, so this bonus clearly plays a role.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Pollard currently appears to be walking on fumes while dealing with an ankle injury – an unfortunate situation considering how close he is to some viable incentives. He can collect $250,000 if he rushes for 1,100 yards on the season, plus another $250,000 if he delivers seven rushing TDs. Even at slightly less than full health, he certainly has a shot at the 83 rushing yards and it would take two scores to reach those marks. However, Pollard needs the up-and-comer Tyjae Spears to calm down
Zach Ertz, Washington commanders
Ertz is just 5 receptions, 62 yards and 2 touchdowns away from earning three separate $250,000 bonuses. If he really celebrates these past two weeks, he has a chance of extra windfalls of a quarter of a million. Ertz had reached the end zone in three straight games before suffering a concussion in Week 15 against the Saints. He has a few beatable matchups ahead of him with Atlanta and Dallas, so he remains a viable fantasy option.
