Stefon Diggs is set to be a key player in the upcoming game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. With the Patriots favored by 13.5 points and a total game projected score of 45.5 points, the stakes are high. Diggs has a significant motivation for the matchup, as he has contract incentives totaling $1 million on the line.
To earn an additional $500,000, Diggs needs to record eight receptions, which would give him 90 catches for the season. Similarly, he requires just 30 more receiving yards to reach the 1,000-yard milestone, which would grant him another $500,000. This financial motivation makes Sunday’s game particularly important for the wide receiver.
Diggs has been a standout performer for the Patriots, boasting a 21.5% share of the team’s targets this season. His recent performances highlight this trend, as he has achieved at least 13 receiving yards in the first quarter of four of his last five games. In their earlier encounter this season, Diggs faced the Dolphins and made an immediate impact, securing both of his targets for 18 yards in the opening quarter.
The Miami defense has shown vulnerabilities, allowing the seventh-most passing yards per throw and the highest completion percentage for slot receivers at 76.9%. Given that a significant portion of Diggs’ routes (52.7%) come from the slot, this presents a favorable matchup for him against the Dolphins.
With rookie quarterback Drake Maye likely looking to establish Diggs early, it seems realistic that Diggs will surpass 12.5 receiving yards in the first quarter. As the regular-season finale approaches, all eyes will be on Diggs and how he performs under the pressure of achieving these incentives.