As Week 13 wraps up, the NFL playoff picture is starting to sharpen-but it was the speedsters, not the superstars, who stole the spotlight this week. From breakout rookies to overlooked veterans, some of the fastest plays of the week came from players you might not expect. Whether it was a game-breaking touchdown or a hustle play that didn’t show up big on the stat sheet, these moments gave us a glimpse of the athleticism simmering beneath the surface across the league.
Let’s break down the top speed performances from Week 13 and why they mattered.
1. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Jets - 20.97 MPH
Welcome to the NFL, AD Mitchell. The rookie wideout-acquired in the Sauce Gardner trade with the Colts-made the most of his opportunity on Sunday, torching Falcons corner Mike Hughes for a 52-yard touchdown. It was his first career score, and he hit nearly 21 MPH in the process.
Mitchell has had some growing pains, including drop issues, but this play was a reminder of why the Jets brought him in. Tyrod Taylor dropped a dime, and Mitchell did the rest-burning the secondary and holding on through the catch. For a Jets offense searching for explosive plays, this was a much-needed flash of potential.
2. Mike Jackson, CB, Panthers - 20.88 MPH
Talk about a momentum-shifter. Mike Jackson’s 48-yard pick-six against Matthew Stafford was one of the biggest plays of the weekend-and it came in an upset win that few saw coming. Jackson jumped the route, snatched the ball, and turned on the jets to take it the distance, clocking in just under 21 MPH.
Not only was it his third interception of the season, it was his first career touchdown. And it came against a quarterback who had been nearly flawless in terms of ball security. Stafford entered the game with a historic streak of avoiding picks, but Jackson broke that streak and helped Carolina pull off a statement win.
3. Isaiah Bond, WR, Browns - 20.8 MPH
It wasn’t a highlight-reel touchdown, but Isaiah Bond’s 9-yard end-around showed off the kind of burst that gets coaches excited. The Browns rookie reached 20.8 MPH on the play-good for third-fastest of the week-while picking up a first down against the 49ers’ tough defense.
Bond’s role has been limited so far, but this play was a reminder of the raw speed he brings to the table. With the Browns looking for ways to stretch the field and keep defenses honest, don’t be surprised if Bond earns more touches down the stretch.
4. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers - 20.7 MPH
Chuba Hubbard got the Panthers on the board with a 35-yard receiving touchdown that showed he’s more than just a between-the-tackles grinder. The veteran back hit 20.7 MPH on the play, tying the game early and setting the tone for a Panthers offense that looked energized from the jump.
Hubbard isn’t typically mentioned among the league’s fastest backs, but this play was a reminder that he has the wheels to make defenses pay when given space. With Carolina pulling off the upset, Hubbard’s early score was a key spark.
5. Jaylen Wright, RB, Dolphins - 20.48 MPH
Jaylen Wright didn’t get a ton of work-just three carries for 16 yards-but he made one of them count. The rookie back hit 20.48 MPH on a five-yard rush, showing off the kind of acceleration that makes him a dangerous change-of-pace option behind De’Von Achane.
Wright has been buried on the depth chart for most of the season, but this run is a reminder of his upside. With the Dolphins eyeing a deep playoff run, don’t be surprised if Wright gets sprinkled in more often as a speed threat to keep defenses on their heels.
6. Mason Tipton, WR, Saints - 20.48 MPH
Mason Tipton continues to be one of the few bright spots for the Saints this season. After cracking the top three in Week 12 with a kickoff return touchdown, Tipton followed it up with another strong special teams play-this time a 36-yard return that saw him hit 20.48 MPH.
He may not be a household name yet, but Tipton is quickly becoming a staple on this list. His explosiveness in the return game is giving the Saints valuable field position-and a reason for fans to stay tuned in during a tough season.
7. Keaton Mitchell, RB, Ravens - 20.41 MPH
Keaton Mitchell made the most of his limited touches on Thanksgiving Day, ripping off an 18-yard touchdown run that brought the Ravens within striking distance against the Bengals. He hit 20.41 MPH on the play, the fastest speed recorded on the holiday slate.
Mitchell only had two carries in the game, but that one run showed why the Ravens have been excited about his potential. With his quick burst and home-run ability, Mitchell could be a valuable weapon as Baltimore gears up for the postseason.
8. De’Von Achane, RB, Dolphins - 20.37 MPH
Another week, another entry for De’Von Achane. The Dolphins’ speedster continues to live up to his billing as one of the league’s fastest players, this time hitting 20.37 MPH on a 29-yard touchdown run against the Saints.
Achane now has over 1,000 rushing yards on the season-a career high-and he’s doing it in style. His ability to turn the corner and hit top speed in a flash makes him one of the most dangerous backs in football. Miami’s offense thrives on speed, and Achane is the engine behind it.
9. Caleb Williams, QB, Bears - 20.31 MPH
Yes, you read that right-Caleb Williams cracked the top 10 in speed this week. The Bears rookie quarterback hit 20.31 MPH on a five-yard scramble during Chicago’s win over the Eagles on Black Friday.
It wasn’t a flashy play, but it was a smart one. Williams saw the first-down marker, turned on the jets, and got out of bounds before taking a hit.
It’s the kind of heads-up, athletic play that shows why the Bears are building around him. The arm talent is there, but don’t sleep on the wheels.
Final Thoughts
Week 13 reminded us that speed doesn’t always come from the usual suspects. Whether it’s a rookie making the most of a limited role or a veteran seizing a big moment, these plays were proof that game-changing speed can come from anywhere on the field. As the playoff race heats up and reps become harder to earn, expect even more players to leave it all on the field-and maybe even crack 21 MPH while doing it.