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17 NFL Running Backs Who Could Break a Game Open on One Play

Some running backs grind out three yards and a cloud of dust. And then there are the guys who only need one chance to make the entire stadium gasp.

These are the game-breakers—the home run hitters of the backfield. Whether it’s a cutback lane or busted coverage, these running backs could change the outcome in a single snap.

17. Brian Westbrook

December 12, 2010; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Westbrook (20) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

He was a nightmare in space and could take a screen pass 70 yards before you blinked. Westbrook wasn’t the biggest guy, but he didn’t need to be—just fast and sneaky.

16. Chris Johnson

Oct 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs the ball during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

When CJ2K hit the edge, it was over. He looked like he was playing a different sport from everyone else.

15. Jamaal Charles

Nov 5, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jamaal Charles (28) carries the football against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Every time he touched the ball, it felt like something big was about to happen. He averaged more than 5 yards a carry for a reason.

14. Reggie Bush

Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Reggie Bush (22) before a game against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field.
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

You never quite knew what direction he was going in, but it always seemed to end with defenders on skates. Reggie had highlight-reel speed and made open space his personal playground.

13. Barry Foster

Sep 8, 1991; Orchard Park, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Barry Foster (29) in action against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

For a brief but blazing moment, Barry Foster was the most electric thing on the field. Defenders who blinked missed him entirely.

12. Alvin Kamara

Dec 13, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) catches the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Kamara has that rare ability to glide through defenders like they’re cones at practice. One cut and suddenly he’s in the end zone, barely looking like he tried.

11. Tiki Barber

Dec. 30, 2006; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back (21) Tiki Barber before the Giants 34-28 victory over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

He wasn’t just slippery—he was explosive when he found daylight. Tiki had a knack for turning 5-yard gains into 50-yard memories.

10. Terrell Davis

Jan 31, 1999; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis (30) carries the ball against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Ronnie Bradford (23) during Super Bowl XXXIII at Dolphin Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34-19.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Sure, Denver’s system helped, but Davis didn’t just take what was blocked—he turned it into fireworks. His vision and burst made every carry dangerous.

9. Dalvin Cook

Dec 20, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images

In his prime, Cook was a threat to take it the distance from anywhere. Once he planted and went, good luck catching him.

8. Saquon Barkley

Sep 3, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball the Blue-White Scrimmage at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

When healthy, Barkley is a walking highlight waiting to happen. One jump cut and he’s off to the races.

7. Bo Jackson

Dec 10, 1989; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson (34) in action against Phoenix Cardinals safety Tim McDonald (46) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

Bo didn’t just break games open—he broke the sound barrier. Watching him in the open field felt unfair to everyone else.

6. Tony Dorsett

Jan 7, 1979; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett (33) runs with the ball against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jim Youngblood (53) and Carl Ekern (55) during the 1978 NFC Championship at Memorial Coliseum. The Cowboys defeated the Rams 28-0.
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

A 99-yard touchdown run kind of says it all. Dorsett had elite speed and didn’t need much room to show it.

5. Christian McCaffrey

Nov 8, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

He’s not just a do-it-all back—he’s a game-breaker disguised as a route-running savant. Any touch could be the one that flips the momentum.

4. Marshall Faulk

Feb 5, 1995; Honolulu, HI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Indianapolis Colts running back Marshall Faulk (28) carries the ball during the 1995 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. During this game Faulk rushed for a record setting 180 yards.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Faulk could catch, run, juke, and sprint past defenders without warning. The Rams didn’t call it the Greatest Show on Turf for nothing.

Read More: 15 Running Backs Who Beat the Age Curve (Against All Odds)

3. Adrian Peterson

Dec 5, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson (21) participates in pregame warmups against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Power backs aren’t supposed to be able to take it 80 yards, but AP wasn’t normal. Once he hit that second gear, defenders just watched him leave.

Read More: 15 Throwback Linebackers Built for Today’s Game

2. Barry Sanders

Oct 24, 1993; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders (20) in action against Los Angeles Rams defensive end Gerald Robinson (97) at Anaheim Stadium.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

He could turn a busted play into a touchdown with zero blocking. Sanders didn’t need a hole—he made his own path with ridiculous agility.

Read More: 20 NFL Rushers Who Left Defenders in the Dust

1. Gale Sayers

Nov 14,1965: Chicago, IL, USA FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers (40) carries the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
Herb Weitman-Imagn Images

Sayers didn’t run as much as he floated across the field. Blink and he was gone, with defenders grasping at air and fans losing their minds.

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