Stefon Diggs needs just 8 catches against Dolphins to reach 90 receptions and claim $500,000 bonus on Week 18 finale

Stefon Diggs is playing today as the New England Patriots face the Miami Dolphins in Week 18 on Sunday afternoon. The veteran receiver needs just eight receptions to reach 90 catches and collect another $500,000 bonus.

Diggs Eyes Historic Milestone Against Miami

The 32-year-old receiver is healthy and available despite being on the injury report for non-injury-related rest. NFL officials confirmed on January 4 that Diggs remains eligible to play. He’s pursuing three separate contract incentives worth up to $1 million in total bonus money.

Diggs earned the first $500,000 bonus last week by reaching 70 receptions. If he catches 8 more passes today, he’ll earn another half-million dollars. Additionally, he needs just 30 receiving yards to reach 1,000 yards for the season and secure an extra $500,000 incentive.

Drake Maye Leading MVP Race as Patriots Chase Top Seed

Quarterback Drake Maye is the significant favorite to win the 2025 NFL MVP Award. The second-year starter has transformed the Patriots organization, leading them from consecutive 4-13 seasons in 2023-2024 to a 13-3 record heading into Week 18. Most analysts project the Patriots will keep their starters active despite clinching the AFC East title.

The Patriots can secure the No. 1 AFC seed if they win today and the Denver Broncos lose to the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Mike Vrabel has not indicated his team will rest key players, suggesting Diggs will have every opportunity to chase his incentive bonuses against Miami’s 18th-ranked passing defense.

Game Matchup Analysis

What’s at Stake for Patriots and Diggs

For Diggs specifically, reaching 90 receptions would be his seventh consecutive season with at least 90 catches dating back to his time with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. The milestone represents sustained excellence as an elite receiver in the modern NFL playoffs era.

The Patriots organization is pursuing the top seed in the AFC playoff bracket, which would guarantee home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Vrabel’s squad has already secured their first division championship since 2019, marking a remarkable turnaround after consecutive losing seasons. Sunday’s outcome could significantly impact their playoff seeding and first-round matchup.

Will Diggs’ Incentives Impact Offensive Strategy?

Observers and analysts wonder whether Drake Maye will specifically look Diggs’ way to help him reach his bonus thresholds. Multiple sources have noted that Maye holds considerable influence over whether Diggs cashes in on the final $1 million incentive package. The young quarterback could prioritize targeting the veteran receiver to help him hit the reception and yardage milestones.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The game will determine positioning for both teams heading into the NFL Playoffs. ESPN’s Mike Reiss and other experts predict a dominant Patriots victory, though the focus for fantasy and bonus-watchers will remain on whether Diggs can catch eight passes and eclipse 30 yards against Miami’s below-average secondary.

Sources

• Patriots Wire (USA Today) – Week 18 injury reports and incentive updates
• CBS Sports – MVP odds and playoff scenarios coverage
• PrizePicks – Contract incentives and player prop projections

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.