5 best hits of the 2015 NFL season

Every Wednesday until training camps open, theScore will reveal a handful of the best plays of the 2015 NFL season, including catches, interceptions, runs, defensive touchdowns, returns, game-winning touchdowns, and Hail Marys.

In this installment, we recap the five best hits of the year.

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 best hits
• 5 best Hail Marys​

5. Kam Chancellor vs. Lions, Week 4

A list compiling the biggest hits of the season would be incomplete without Kam Chancellor, and he was at his finest in Week 4 against the Lions.

Chancellor reads a crossing route to perfection and delivers a picturesque shoulder blow to Calvin Johnson, a player nicknamed "Megatron" for his own outstanding physique. It's a testament to Johnson that he's able to hang on to the ball on this play. However, he wouldn't be so lucky with the game on the line.

As Johnson sprints toward the end zone, looking certain to secure a game-winning touchdown, Seahawks safety Earl Thomas impedes his progress, but the wide receiver is still able to extend toward the goal line. At the last possible second, though, Chancellor flies in to jar the ball loose, preserving a 13-10 victory.

4. Mario Williams vs. Giants, Week 2

Mario Williams displayed his rare combination of speed, size, and power against the Giants, unleashing a devastating hit on Rashad Jennings.

Williams powers through the line of scrimmage and enters the backfield. With no one left to beat, he plants his feet and pile-drives Jennings into the ground, recording a tackle for loss.

3. Darian Stewart vs. Patriots, AFC Championship Game

Tom Brady directed Danny Amendola through the middle of the field on a short route during the AFC Championship Game, a play the Patriots may regret.

Amendola spins upfield, hoping to establish himself in the red zone. However, Broncos safety Darian Stewart reads him cutting across the middle and delivers a crushing blow, sending a warning to the Patriots for the rest of the contest.

2. Demario Davis vs. Browns, Week 1

Josh McCown is likely glad he's now teammates with Demario Davis, after the linebacker signed with the Browns in the offseason.

In Week 1, McCown finds daylight and attempts to channel John Elway while trying to score a rushing touchdown. However, his brazen attempt is rendered useless by Davis, who turns the quarterback into a living propeller. McCown fumbles the ball, which was promptly recovered by the Jets.

It's unlikely he'll go airborne again.

1. Damarious Randall vs. Chiefs, Week 3

Damarious Randall made his impact felt three games into his rookie season, deploying the biggest hit of the year on Chiefs running back Charcandrick West.

West runs out of the flat, staring back at quarterback Alex Smith the entire way. Randall recognizes West heading upfield and abandons Jeremy Maclin, accelerating toward the ball. West hauls the ball in but is immediately lambasted by Randall, who showed why the Packers selected him with their first-round pick.