The games that affect playoff seeding in both conferences will be the main topic of discussion in Week 18. But a significant subplot focuses on a group of players who want to maximize their earning potential by achieving incentives and achievements.
A lot of players' contracts have sections that describe contract bonuses linked to particular statistical levels.
WR Mike Evans
Mike Evans reached the 1,000-yard receiving distance milestone on the season's last play, earning him a spectacular $3 million bonus. Evans and his teammates had a wild celebration after he made a 9-yard reception in a victory over the New Orleans Saints. By placing in the top 10 in the NFL for receiving yards with 11, he also earned $666,666.
QB Baker Mayfield
Mayfield earned an additional $2.5 million by placing in the top 5 in the NFC or the top 10 in the NFL in each of the following 5 fields: yards per pass effort, performance percentage, running yards, touchdown passes, and passer rating. Each of those numbers was worth $500,000 to Mayfield.
QB Geno Smith
In Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Smith earned a total of $6 million in incentives by setting career highs in passing yards and success percentage and leading Seattle to ten victories. It's good for a day's labour.
WR Courtland Sutton
During Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sutton exceeded 1,065 yards on the season. He earned an extra $500,000 in incentives for exceeding 500 and 750 yards receiving.
LB Von Miller
Miller receives a $1.5 million bonus after recording an early sack against the Patriots, bringing his season total to 6.
WR Mack Hollins
Hollins earned a $50,000 bonus after making 30 catches this season and catching two passes initially against the Patriots.
RB Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry had already made a good deal of money when he arrived on Saturday. He previously accumulated 1,783 rushing yards and received bonuses of $500,000 each when he reached 1,200 and 1,500 rush yards.
In addition to earning another $500,000 for 13 touchdowns, his 14 touchdowns rewarded him $500,000 for 15 touchdowns. Additionally, Henry will receive an additional $500,000 if he and the Ravens win the Super Bowl.
OLB Kyle Van Noy
He received a $250,000 reward after taking down Cleveland's Dorian Thompson-Robinson to reach the 12.5-sack milestone. Like most of us, he rejoiced in the windfall.
RB Saquon Barkley
Barkley has previously earned $500,000 in bonuses for exceeding 1,500 and 2,000 yards from scrimmage, and he now has 2,283 yards. Barkley has a few extra rewards left, but they aren't determined by his performance in Week 18.
TE Mike Gesicki
To reach 600 yards for the season and earn a $125,000 incentive, Gesicki is required to gain 3 receiving yards. He caught it on a 12-yard reception by Joe Burrow, who completed the game's first pass on Saturday against the Steelers.
TE Zach Ertz
If Ertz caught 60 or more passes, they would each receive $250,000. Ertz earned all three bonuses and a total of $750,000 after catching six balls for 72 yards and two touchdowns, including overtime. Ertz caught three receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown in overtime, but he couldn't have done it otherwise.