jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions is still leading the 2025 speed rankings, topping the list of the nine fastest NFL players in Week 12.

Teddy Ricketson

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9 fastest players in the NFL in Week 12: Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs continues to dominate 2025 speed leaderboard image

TL;DR

  • Dallas Cowboys rallied from a 21-0 deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions had a dominant performance with 219 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
  • Week 12 featured three overtime games, including victories for the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.
  • The article highlights the nine swiftest plays from NFL Week 12, showcasing incredible speed from various athletes.

Week 12 of the NFL season was one of the best weeks of action so far in 2025.

The Philadelphia Eagles held a 21-0 lead, but the Dallas Cowboys responded with 24 consecutive points to secure a significant victory. The Buffalo Bills had a difficult time in the spotlight, failing to leverage a strong performance from running back James Cook during their defeat against the Houston Texans. 

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 15 carries for 219 yards with two touchdowns, and added 45 yards and a touchdown on 11 receptions to dominate the New York Giants' defense in a game that Detroit needed overtime to win. 

In Week 12, the Lions and Giants were part of a trio of games that extended into overtime, where the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars also managed to secure hard-fought victories. 

Amidst the intense activity, certain moments shone brightly, featuring athletes demonstrating incredible swiftness. Below are the nine swiftest plays from NFL Week 12.

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All speeds courtesy of NextGen stats.

Jahmyr Gibbs, running back for The Lions, did not participate in practice (22.17 mph).

  • Top speed: 22.17 mph
  • Play type: 69-yard rush TD

With just 28 seconds remaining, the Lions successfully converted a 59-yard field goal, sending the game into overtime. Detroit began their possession at their own 31-yard line. Jahmyr Gibbs then broke free on a 69-yard touchdown run to the right. Following the Giants' inability to score, Gibbs' single-play touchdown was sufficient for The Lions to clinch the victory. Next Gen Stats reported that Gibbs' touchdown speed was the fourth quickest of the entire season. He also holds the second and third fastest times recorded this season. 

MORE: NFC standings after Week 12 wins by Lions, Packers and Bears

Cook runs 21.33 mph for Bills

  • Top speed: 21.33 mph
  • Play type: 45-yard rush TD

Buffalo's initial possession versus the Texans on "Thursday Night Football" proved to be their most successful of the contest. The Bills executed 10 plays, accumulating 81 yards during the scoring sequence. This drive concluded with James Cook breaking away for a 45-yard touchdown run. Kicker Matt Prater's missed extra point served as a foreboding indicator for the remainder of the game, yet Cook's touchdown dash registered as the second-quickest play of Week 12. 

MORE: Ranking the greatest Bills of all time

Mason Tipton Saints 21.03 mph

  • Top speed: 21.03 mph
  • Play type: 75-yard kickoff return

With Rashid Shaheed's trade to the Seattle Seahawks, Mason Tipton has moved up to the third wide receiver spot on the Saints' depth chart. While his special teams involvement has been limited, his role might grow following Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Tipton's 75-yard kickoff return was the most dynamic play in New Orleans' divisional defeat. 

MORE: NFL all-time passing yards leaders

4. Dylan Sampson, Running Back, Browns (20.82 mph)

  • Top speed: 20.82 mph
  • Play type: 66-yard TD reception

Dylan Sampson, a rookie running back, also made a significant contribution to the Browns' Week 12 victory against Las Vegas, scoring a 66-yard touchdown on a screen pass to the right. He was filling in for the injured Quinshon Judkins at the time. 

MORE: Grading Shedeur Sanders' first NFL start

5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Seahawks (20.80 mph)

  • Top speed: 20.80 mph
  • Play type: 63-yard TD reception

Jaxson Smith-Njigba is currently leading the NFL in receiving yards with an outstanding 1,313 through 11 games. He's already established a new single-season record for The Seattle Seahawks and is aiming to be the first receiver in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards. Against the Tennessee Titans, JSN recorded eight catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a spectacular 63-yard touchdown reception. 

MORE: Ranking the greatest Seahawks of all time

6. KaVontae Turpin, Wide Receiver, Cowboys (20.48 mph)

  • Top speed: 20.48 mph
  • Play type: 48-yard reception

While KaVontae Turpin is primarily recognized as a special teams weapon, Dallas actively seeks opportunities to utilize him in open space offensively. The wide receiver secured a slant pass from Dak Prescott, evaded a defender, and then showcased his signature skill. Turpin's 48-yard reception contributed to Dallas's comeback from a 21-0 deficit to a 24-21 victory against the Eagles. 

MORE: Ranking the greatest Cowboys of all time

Gainwell speeds past foes at 20.43 mph

  • Top speed: 20.43 mph
  • Play type: 55-yard rush

The tush push has emerged as football's most debated play. Its officiating is incredibly challenging, and it appears more likely to be prohibited during this offseason. The Steelers capitalized on this by executing a fake tush push, resulting in Kenneth Gainwell circling the offensive line for a substantial 55-yard gain. 

MORE: Ranking the greatest Steelers of all time

Bond's speed: 20.29 mph

  • Top speed: 20.29 mph
  • Play type: 52-yard reception

The Browns highlighted their premier rookies during their victory against the Raiders. Shedeur Sanders achieved a milestone, becoming the first Browns quarterback since 1999 to secure a win in his inaugural career start. Quinshon Judkins scored twice, Dylan Sampson caught a touchdown pass, and Isaiah Bond made a 52-yard reception. Sanders delivered an accurate pass to Bond, but the rookie was stopped just short of the end zone.

MORE: Shedeur Sanders' stats from NFL debut

Dike: Titans WR, 20.15 mph

  • Top speed: 20.15 mph
  • Play type: 90-yard punt return TD

The Titans are extensively evaluating their remaining season. Tennessee's loss of Calvin Ridley to a season-ending injury created an opening for another player to emerge. Wide receiver Chimere Dike scored two touchdowns during the game. He concluded with five catches for 44 yards and one touchdown, though his most impressive play of the day was a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown on special teams. 

MORE: How Cam Ward compares to other Miami QBs in the NFL's history

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