The 2024 NFL Season was one of explosive plays from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. League superstars such as Ja’marr Chase cemented their status, future stars like Nik Bonitto took major strides in reaching their full potential, and unknown players like Chigoziem Okonkwo made a name for themselves. This list of the top-15 plays of the NFL season ranks based not only on distance but also spectacle and the overall effect on the season.

15. Tyrique Stevenson 43-Yard Game-Winning Pick Six vs. Titans

Chicago Bears’ defensive back Tyrique Stevenson intercepted a pass from Titans’ quarterback Will Levis and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears the lead. This play started the streak of Will Levis having silly plays; in this case, he dropped to his knees and put his hands on his head in disbelief.

14. Nik Bonitto’s 50-Yard Fumble-Six vs. Colts

​In a pivotal Week 15 matchup with major playoff implications against the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos’ outside linebacker Nik Bonitto delivered a game-changing play that further developed his Defensive Player of the Year arguement. With the Broncos holding a narrow 17-13 lead, the Colts attempted a trick play involving a double pass. Quarterback Anthony Richardson threw a backward pass to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who then aimed to pass back to Richardson. Recognizing the play’s design, Bonitto swiftly intercepted Mitchell’s lateral and sprinted 50 yards to the end zone.

13. Marvin Mims Jr. 51-Yard Touchdown Reception vs. Bengals 

Bo Nix and Marvin Mims Jr. connected for a deep 51-yard touchdown, showcasing their growing rapport and the Broncos’ vertical threat. This deep-shot play showcased Mims’ speed and Nix’s cannon for an arm. 

12. Ja’Marr Chase 40-Yard Game-Winning Touchdown vs. Cowboys

Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase displayed his exceptional talent by spinning out of a tackle and sprinting for a 40-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. This play showed why Joe Burrow and Chase are considered the best quarterback-wide receiver duo in the NFL and how Chase won the triple crown.

11. KhaDarel Hodge 45-Yard Game-Winning Touchdown vs. Buccaneers

Atlanta Falcons’ wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge turned a short pass into a 45-yard touchdown in overtime, leading to a 36-30 primetime overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This play brought the relatively unknown Hodge into the primetime spotlight and the Falcons’ determination in a high-stakes moment.

10. Demarcus Robinson 39-Yard Game-Winning Touchdown vs. Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams’ Demarcus Robinson secured a 39-yard touchdown catch from Matthew Stafford in overtime, clinching a 26-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. This decisive play highlighted Robinson’s route-running precision and the Rams’ clutch performance under pressure. This game was great for my fantasy team, as Jaxson Smith-Njigba scored two touchdowns as well.

9. Terry McLaurin 86-Yard Touchdown vs. Cowboys

Washington Commanders’ wide receiver Terry McLaurin electrified the field with an 86-yard touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys. This play brought the Commanders within a point late in the game, highlighting its significance. Sadly, Commanders kicker Austin Seibert missed the game-tying extra point.

8. Marvin Mims Jr. 25-Yard Game-Tying Touchdown Catch vs. Bengals

In a critical fourth-down situation, Marvin Mims Jr. made a spectacular 25-yard touchdown catch for the Broncos against the Cincinnati Bengals, sending the game into overtime after Head Coach Sean Payton elected to kick the extra point instead of attempting a game-ending two-point conversion. This clutch play demonstrated Mims’ ability to win 50-50 balls and the burgeoning chemistry with easily top-10 quarterback Bo Nix.

7. Kamren Kinchens 103-Yard Pick-Six vs. Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams’ safety Kamren Kinchens made franchise history with a 103-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. This play came within minutes of Pat Surtain II’s own pick-six. 

6. Chigoziem Okonkwo 70-Yard Game-Winning Touchdown vs. Texans

Tennessee Titans’ tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo delivered a stunning 70-yard touchdown reception from Will Levis, clinching a victory over the Houston Texans. Another relatively unknown player, through this play and other similar big plays, Okonkwo made a name for himself as a diamond in the rough on the Tennessee roster.

5. Nik Bonitto 71-Yard Pick-Six vs. Browns

In a defensive masterclass, Broncos’ outside linebacker Nik Bonitto executed a perfect lurk and intercepted a pass from Jameis Winston, and returned it 71 yards for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. This play not only shifted momentum in a high-scoring game but also brought Bonitto into Defensive Player of the Year talks alongside teammate PS2.

4. Marvin Mims Jr. 93-Yard Touchdown Reception vs. Browns

Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. again showcased his deep-threat capability with a 93-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Bo Nix. Nix perfectly threaded the ball through three Browns defensive backs. This explosive play was one of many from both teams during the Browns at Broncos game.

3. Jayden Daniels 52-yard Game-Winning Hail Mary vs. Bears

Facing the Chicago Bears in Week 8, Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels orchestrated a last-second miracle. With time expiring, Daniels launched a 52-yard Hail Mary pass that, after a deflection, landed in the hands of Noah Brown for the game-winning touchdown. This play not only secured an 18-15 victory but also earned the NFL’s Play of the Year award, becoming a major piece of Daniels’ argument for winning Rookie of the Year.

2. Saquon Barkley Reverse Hurdle vs. Jaguars

Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley added another highlight to his reel with an acrobatic reverse hurdle over a defender during a 14-yard reception. This display of athleticism and agility left fans and commentators in awe, with some even calling for the NFL logo to include the silhouette of the hurdle, exemplifying Barkley’s status as a top-3 running back in the NFL.

1. Pat Surtain II 100-Yard Pick-Six vs. Raiders

In a Week 5 showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos’ cornerback Pat Surtain II made a game-changing play. Intercepting Gardner Minshew’s pass at the goal line, Surtain sprinted the entire field for a 100-yard touchdown. This remarkable feat changed not only the outcome of the game but also the trajectory of the Broncos’ whole season. It also marked the second-longest interception return in Broncos history, underscoring Surtain’s elite defensive prowess. This play was one of many on the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year’s highlight reel.