5 best returns of the 2015 NFL season

Every Wednesday until training camps open, theScore will reveal the best catches, interceptions, runs, defensive touchdowns, returns, game-winning touchdowns, biggest hits, and Hail Marys.

Best Plays of 2015

• 5 best catches
• 5 best interceptions
• 5 best runs
• 5 best defensive touchdowns
• 5 best returns
• 5 best game-winning touchdowns
• 5 bet hits
• 5 best Hail Marys​

We introduce our fifth installment of the series, recapping the five best returns of the year.

5. Andre Roberts vs. Panthers, Week 11

Andre Roberts showcases excellent field vision on this return against the Panthers, using the entire width on a 99-yard touchdown. Roberts starts inside and flies past Panthers safety Colin Jones. At that juncture, Roberts bursts back to the outside of the field, sprinting past five defenders in pursuit. Joe Webb and Graham Gano try to catch Roberts, but it's too late, as he ties the game with a spectacular return.

4. Tyler Lockett vs. Bears, Week 3

Bears kicker Robbie Gould was probably lamenting his performance early on, after surrendering return touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Here, Seahawks rookie Tyler Lockett displays his special teams prowess, getting a great jump out of the end zone. The Seahawks clear four would-be tacklers out of Lockett's way, as he finds a clear avenue inside. At the second level, Lockett loops around Gould and jogs into the end zone nonchalantly.

3. David Johnson vs. Bears, Week 2

David Johnson emerged as one of the most promising running backs in the NFL, and Week 2 against the Bears was his coming out party. Johnson catches the ball near the back of the end zone and it originally looks like a rookie mistake, as the Bears quickly advance inside the 15-yard line. However, Johnson sees an opening and slaloms past five defenders with three moves, creating a massive running lane. Bears kicker Robbie Gould valiantly tries to chase down Johnson, but it's too late, as he records the longest return touchdown of the year.

2. Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Seahawks, Week 13

Cordarrelle Patterson frustrated Vikings' management as an inconsistent receiver, but there's no doubting his greatness as a returner. Patterson is at his best against the Seahawks, returning the ball 101 yards for a touchdown. The 25-year-old makes two sharp cuts near the 15-yard line, evading a series of tacklers, before bursting free to go unscathed for a touchdown. Patterson gains points for his theatrics, celebrating his touchdown well in advance with no one coming close to catching him.

1. Darren Sproles vs. Patriots, Week 13

By now, every punter should know not to punt to Darren Sproles, and Ryan Allen evidently missed the memo. Sproles darts past a host of Patriots defenders upon catching the ball, creating a sizable lane for himself while turning upfield. A number of Patriots' special teamers try to catch Sproles in a dead sprint, to no avail. Sproles eventually dangles past Allen with a shimmy move, barely losing any speed, and the rest of the Patriots are left in the dust on the most impressive return touchdown of the year.