The NFL season is down to its final three weeks, and while teams are vying for playoff spots and seedings, players across the league are looking to cash on contract incentives and write their names in the history books.
Here are a few of those worth taking a look at before making your NFL picks:
Brock Bowers: Rookie reception record
Puka Nacua broke this record last year with 105 receptions. Although this rookie class had some truly impressive receiving talent, not many would have guessed
- A) Nacua's record would be in jeopardy the following year.
B) Of all of the rookies taken, a tight end would be the one in position to break it.
Brock Bowers had a disappointing outing last week, managing to reel in just three receptions to bring his season total to 90, leaving him 16 short of breaking the record.
But the good news for the 13th overall pick is this week, he draws the Jaguars secondary, which has had its fair share of struggles this season.
Saquon Barkley: Single-season record (and some cash)
Eric Dickerson set the single-season rushing record 40 years ago with 2,105 yards.
After tallying 66 yards last week, Saquon Barkley finds himself at 1,688, leaving him 418 yards shy of breaking the record — or roughly at a required 140-yards-per-game pace.
This week he takes on the Commanders, who are his toughest remaining opponent.
But it isn't just NFL history he's after. Barkley will earn $250,000 from a contract incentive if he reaches 2,000 scrimmage yards, and he's just 36 yards short of that mark.
Tony Pollard: Untimely injury
While Tony Pollard has been the lone offensive bright spot for the vast majority of the season, an untimely injury last week coupled with an impressive showing from running mate Tyjae Spears may put some contract incentive money in danger.
Pollard did not practice on Wednesday, and he's just 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns short of earning $250,000 and $200,000, respectively.
He's also 21 receptions short of 60, which would net him another $200,000, but that is much further out of reach.
Zach Ertz: A return to form
Zach Ertz has bounced around teams and has muted production over the last couple of seasons compared to his three-time Pro Bowl peak
But in his first year with the Washington Commanders, he's hit his stride once again, having already hit three-year highs in receptions (54), yards (526), and touchdowns (four).
And while proving that he still has "it" is probably good enough for Ertz, he's set to receive an additional $250,000 for hitting 60, 70, and 80 receptions; 600, 700, and 800 yards; and six and eight touchdowns.
Unfortunately, he left last week's game with a concussion and did not practice on Wednesday, so he is someone to monitor as the week progresses.
Mike Evans: Death, Taxes, and 1,000 yards
Since entering the league in 2014, Mike Evans has hit 1,000 receiving yards every single year. He currently sits at 749 and needs roughly 84 yards per game to get to the 1,000 mark.
But keeping the streak alive isn't just noteworthy for his eventual Hall of Fame case, it also could help him get paid.
Evans is set to earn an additional $3 million if he can reach 70 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. On top of the aforementioned yardage, that means he needs 18 more receptions and one more touchdown.
This week, he draws the Dallas Cowboys' secondary, who have been not as good as prior years.
