NFL's top 5 trick plays of the 2018 season

The 2018 NFL season showcased unique play-calling that allowed teams to move the ball downfield and get creative in the red-zone. To commemorate those calls, here are the best trick plays of the 2018 season.

5) Emmanuel Sanders shows off his arm

Before this 28-yard touchdown toss, Denver Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders hadn't completed a pass since 2011. The 31-year-old showcased his arm strength with this throw, and it always helps to have a rookie like Courtland Sutton willing to lay out for the catch.

4) McCaffrey airs it out

With this touchdown pass to tight end Chris Manhertz, Christian McCaffery became the first running back to have at least 50 yards passing, rushing, and receiving in a game since Walter Payton in 1985.

3) Big man TD

This inventive play dubbed Santa’s Sleigh saw six Chicago Bears offensive lineman alongside four defensive lineman on the field in a third-and-goal situation. Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks lined up at running back before Mitchell Trubisky tossed the touchdown pass to offensive lineman Bradley Sowell.

2) What can't OBJ do?

After calling out New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning for not attempting deep passes at the start of the season, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. backed up his talk by throwing two long touchdown passes this season. This 49-yarder involved some acting from Beckham who stutter stepped behind the line of scrimmage before unloading deep.

1) Philly Special imitations

The best trick play of the calendar year, the Philly Special, didn't actually happen during the 2018 season, but the iconic moment - which aided in the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl upset of the New England Patriots - reverberated throughout the campaign.

The Philly Special and slight variations of it were imitated by the Cleveland Browns and the Bears, among others. The Eagles even ran it again in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Because of the Philly Special's place in NFL history, it's re-creations earned the top spot on our list.