As the NFL regular season approaches its thrilling conclusion in Week 18, players are gearing up not just for a final push towards the playoffs, but also to secure lucrative contract incentives that could significantly impact their earnings. This week is pivotal for many athletes, as individual performance can lead to substantial bonuses that come with specific benchmarks.

Incentives, akin to good grades yielding a reward, are commonplace in the league and serve as motivation for players to deliver their best performance. The potential payouts this week make for an exciting lead-up to the playoffs, with several stars having tangible goals within their grasp.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB

Mayfield stands to gain a hefty $500,000 if the Buccaneers clinch a wild card spot. This amount increases by another $500,000 for each successive playoff round they advance. Additionally, he could earn up to $2.5 million more if he finishes among the top ten quarterbacks in passer rating, passing touchdowns, passing yards, completion percentage, or yards per passing attempt. Winning it all would bring Mayfield’s potential bonus earnings to a staggering $5 million.

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR

Evans is also in a promising position, needing just five receptions and 85 yards to receive a $3 million bonus for reaching 70 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns this season. Achieving the 1,000-yard milestone would not only pad his wallet but also extend his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 11, tying the legendary Jerry Rice for the most consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks QB

While the Seahawks have been eliminated from playoff contention, Smith could still rake in up to $6 million this week. He needs just 186 passing yards to hit a career-high and secure a $2 million bonus, $2 million more for maintaining a completion percentage above his 2022 mark, and an additional $2 million for winning 10 games.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals QB

Despite a disappointing season, Murray can earn a $750,000 bonus if he reaches 600 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. He’ll have to cover 50 rushing yards and cross the goal line once during the Cardinals’ matchup against the 49ers, a team he performed well against earlier this season.

DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs WR

Hopkins, who has had a chaotic season between two teams, can still hit a $500,000 incentive with just one more touchdown this week, bringing his season total to six. He is, however, a bit short on other incentives that require him to catch nine more balls and gain 140 yards, which may be tough to achieve in one game.

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos WR

Sutton has already collected significant incentives but can still add to his total by hitting either 82 receiving yards or scoring three touchdowns against a rival team. With the Broncos aiming for a playoff spot, his performance will be critical.

J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers RB

Dobbins is close to claiming a $150,000 bonus, needing just 58 rushing yards to reach 900 for the season. Given his injury history, reaching this mark is vital to his confidence heading into the playoffs.

Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans RB

After a week sidelined by injury, Pollard is aiming for a $250,000 bonus, needing 83 rushing yards to break the 1,100-yard barrier, plus an opportunity for another $200,000 if he can rush for seven touchdowns.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders TE

Ertz stands on the cusp of further bonuses—he needs nine more receptions to hit 70, which would earn him a $250,000 bonus. Additionally, he is close to other milestones that involve total yardage and touchdown counts.

Upcoming Milestones:

- Aaron Rodgers only needs one more touchdown pass to reach 500 career TD passes in what might be his final game.

- Saquon Barkley eyes breaking Eric Dickerson’s longstanding rushing record, needing just 101 yards.

- Ja'Marr Chase is in the running for the receiving triple crown, leading in catches, yards, and touchdowns.

Keep an eye on these players this weekend as their performances not only have playoff implications but also serious financial stakes! The excitement surrounding NFL Week 18 promises plenty of drama—both on and off the field!