8 fastest players in the NFL in Week 14, from Christian Watson to Nico Collins

Jake Mozarsky

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8 fastest players in the NFL in Week 14, from Christian Watson to Nico Collins image

The intense pressure of the final playoff push is elevating the value of sheer speed across the NFL, with explosive, high-velocity plays now serving as critical separators between contending and collapsing teams. A single burst of acceleration — whether it's a running back turning the corner for a breakaway score or a defensive back closing the gap for a game-sealing interception — can be the difference maker in the tight December schedule, often determining a team's entire postseason fate.

The Week 14 contests provided ample evidence of this truth, showcasing how raw, undeniable speed remains the most crucial, game-breaking weapon for teams fighting to secure a spot. One example is Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, who reached his top speed on a 52-yard reception — Pittsburgh's first 20+ yard pass in over a month — as the Steelers gained control of the AFC North with a win over the Ravens.

There were a bunch of other blazing plays that helped decide games in the first week of December. Here are the fastest players from Week 14.

MORE: NFL playoff picture after Sunday of Week 14

1. Christian Watson, WR, Packers (21.60 MPH)

 

  • Top Speed: 21.60 MPH
  • Play type: 41-yard receiving TD

Christian Watson, who returned recently from an ACL injury that kept him out the majority of this season, has emerged as the Packers' top wide receiver down the stretch. Against the Bears, he had the fastest play of Week 14, a touchdown en route to the Packers win.

With the win over Chicago, Green Bay took sole possession of first place in the NFC North.

MORE: How Packers win over Bears impacts NFC North, playoff race

2. Blake Corum, RB, Rams (21.29 MPH)

 

  • Top Speed: 21.29 MPH
  • Play type: 48-yard rushing TD

Blake Corum delivered his most impactful performance of the season in Sunday's dominant 45-17 rout of the Arizona Cardinals, highlighted by a career-high two rushing touchdowns.

In the Rams' 45-17 win, Corum's 21.29 MPH run was his second of the day and the second-fastest play of the week.

MORE: Inside the Sean McVay vs. Kyle Shanahan rivalry

3. Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seahawks (20.80 MPH)

 

  • Top Speed: 20.80 MPH
  • Play type: 100-yard kickoff return TD

Rashid Shaheed, who was acquired from the Saints at the NFL trade deadline, has always been known for his blistering speed. It showed again with a kickoff return touchdown to open up the second half in Seattle's dominant win over the Falcons.

Seattle went on to win in comfortable fashion, advancing to 10-3 on the season.

MORE:  Are the Seahawks the NFL's No. 1 team?

4. DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers (20.76 MPH)

 

  • Top Speed: 20.76 MPH
  • Play type: 52-yard reception

The struggling Steelers had a pivotal AFC North matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, and Metcalf delivered a game-changing play in the first quarter. On the first play from scrimmage for Pittsburgh, Rodgers hit Metcalf for 52 yards.

Metcalf had a 42-yard reception later in the day on his way to 148 yards total. Pittsburgh took sole possession of the AFC North with the win, advancing to 7-6.

MORE: AFC North standings after Steelers win over Ravens

5. Christian Bentford, CB, Bills (20.52 MPH)

 

  • Top Speed: 20.52 MPH
  • Play type: 63-yard interception return TD

Christian Bentford might have delivered the biggest play of Sunday in the Buffalo Bills' thrilling win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Right after a Josh Allen touchdown made it a one-possession game, Bentford intercepted Joe Burrow on the next play and returned it all the way for a touchdown.

The Bills took the lead on this play and never gave it back. Buffalo is now 9-4 and holds the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

MORE: Updated playoff picture for the Buffalo Bills

6. Nico Collins, WR, Texans (20.43 MPH) 

 

  • Top Speed: 20.43 MPH
  • Play type: 46-yard reception

The Texans might be the hottest team in football, now riding a five-game win streak after beating the Chiefs, 20-10, at Arrowhead Stadium. Nico Collins propelled a Texans offense that isn't among the league's best, hauling in two 40+ receptions that ended up being game-changers.

His first one was a 46-yard jump ball, where Houston scored the first points of the game shortly after.

He had a 52-yard reception later in the first half, setting up a Woody Marks touchdown. The Texans are now 8-5 and sit in an AFC wild card spot.

MORE: Texans dominate Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium

7. Keaton Mitchell, RB, Ravens (20.39 MPH)

Keaton Mitchell

 

  • Top Speed: 20.39 MPH
  • Play type: 55-yard rush

Keaton Mitchell has emerged as a home-run back in the NFL; while he gets a limited amount of carries behind Derrick Henry, he can turn any rush into a long gain. That was the case on Sunday against the Steelers.

The running back finished the day with six carries for 76 yards. As the Ravens go down the stretch, expect Mitchell to get some more carries.

MORE: Ranking the 13 greatest Ravens players of all time

8. Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans (20.21 MPH) 

Jaylin Noel

  • Top Speed: 20.21 MPH
  • Play type: 21-yard punt return

Jaylin Noel — the rookie wide receiver out of Iowa State — has the shortest play on the list, but he was able to pick up blistering speed on his punt return. After the win against the Chiefs, Noel made Texans history for the most punt return yards from a rookie.

The rookie has had limited production this season but has shown burst in his opportunities.

There were multiple punt return touchdowns in Week 14, including the Jets' Isaiah Williams and the Broncos' Marvin Mims Jr., but neither were as fast as Noel's shorter play.

MORE: What Texans win over Chiefs means for their playoff chances

Staff Writer