After defeating the Carolina Panthers in Week 17, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a favorable position to enter the NFC playoffs. While Baker Mayfield had a sensational game, wide receiver Mike Evans added eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers placed him in a favorable position to maintain his streak of 1,000-yard seasons.
With one regular season game left, Evans is only 85 receiving yards short of a thousand. Reaching that mark will give him 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards. Keeping the streak alive will have Evans at second place among NFL players with the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He will surpass Randy Moss, who has ten straight 1,000-yard seasons.
Meanwhile, Evans is three seasons away from tying Jerry Rice’s record. In addition to finishing with at least 85 yards in Week 18, Evans will need at least five receptions to earn a $3 million bonus.
Mike Evans has A LOT to play for this week.
— Sal Bets (@salbets_) December 30, 2024
All he needs in Week 18 is:
• 5 catches
• 85 yards
If he hits these - he unlocks a massive $3 million bonus…
Though Evans missed three games this season, he’s still on the verge of reaching 1,000 yards. His season high is 159 yards, compiled against the Los Angeles Chargers. His other 100-yard game this season occurred two weeks before the Chargers game when he tallied eight catches for 118 yards and a touchdown in an overtime victory against the Carolina Panthers.
Evans and the Buccaneers will face another division rival, the New Orleans Saints, in Week 18. That matchup works to Evans’ favor because the Saints ranked 27th in pass defense, allowing 239.9 yards per game. In addition to Evans’ personal milestone, the Buccaneers will clinch a playoff spot with a victory.
-Lance Fernandez