Formation Frenzy: Decoding the Hottest Offensive Formation Trends in the NFL Right Now
The NFL is a constantly evolving chess match, and in 2025, offenses are pushing the boundaries of strategy and innovation more than ever before. Remember Super Bowl LIX, when the Philadelphia Eagles, led by their dominant offensive line and power running game, surprised everyone by running all over the Kansas City Chiefs defense? That game was a sign of things to come. This season, it’s all about formation frenzy, with teams mixing and matching personnel and formations to keep defenses guessing. Let’s dive into the hottest offensive formation trends shaping the game today.
The Resurgence of Power Running
For years, the NFL has been dominated by high-flying passing attacks. However, a shift is occurring. Teams are rediscovering the power of a strong running game, and it starts with the offensive line. The Detroit Lions, with their mauling offensive line, are a prime example. They’ve invested heavily in their interior linemen, and it’s paying off. They can line up in “jumbo” sets, with extra offensive linemen acting as tight ends, creating nearly impenetrable walls for their running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
This emphasis on power running isn’t just about brute force. It’s about controlling the clock, wearing down defenses, and opening up opportunities in the passing game. As defenses adjust to stop the run, play-action passes become even more effective. Ben Johnson, now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, is a master of this approach. Expect the Bears to utilize play action more frequently, especially with their revamped offensive line and the addition of D’Andre Swift at running back.
12 Personnel: The Tight End Takeover
While three-receiver sets (11 personnel) have been the norm for years, offenses are increasingly turning to 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers). This formation offers a unique blend of power and versatility. The San Francisco 49ers, with George Kittle, have long been a proponent of 12 personnel. Kittle’s ability to block like an offensive tackle and catch passes like a wide receiver makes him a nightmare for defenses.
The New England Patriots, under Bill Belichick, also made 12 personnel a core part of their offense, especially with tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski’s versatility made him a perfect fit for 12 Personnel, creating mismatch opportunities that helped the Patriots win Super Bowls.
The Baltimore Ravens are another team to watch in this regard. With Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, they have two dynamic tight ends who can stretch the field and create matchup problems. As Zay Flowers noted, having two tight ends on the field with Lamar Jackson in the backfield is “electric” and can be difficult for defenses to handle.
The Pistol Offense: A Hybrid Approach
The pistol formation, which combines elements of the shotgun and under-center formations, is gaining traction in the NFL. In this formation, the quarterback lines up a few yards behind the center, with the running back directly behind him. This allows for quicker handoffs and better vision for the quarterback.
The pistol is particularly effective for teams that want to run the ball but also maintain a passing threat. It allows the running back to attack downhill with momentum, making zone-read plays more effective. Several teams are now using the Pistol formation, which blends elements of shotgun and single-back formations to create a more unpredictable, balanced attack. This system keeps defenses guessing and enhances play-action opportunities.
Empty Backfields and Spread Formations
While power running and 12 personnel are on the rise, spread formations and empty backfields still have a place in the modern NFL. These formations are designed to create space for receivers and put pressure on opposing defenses.
The Kansas City Chiefs, even with their emphasis on the running game, still utilize spread formations to get their playmakers in favorable matchups. The key is to be unpredictable and keep defenses guessing.
The Ever-Evolving Play-Caller
Ultimately, the success of any offensive formation depends on the play-caller. The best play-callers are those who can adapt to their personnel and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams are considered among the best in the league. They are constantly evolving their schemes and finding new ways to attack defenses.
Ben Johnson, now with the Chicago Bears, is another rising star in the play-calling ranks. He is known for his ability to tailor his system to the strengths of his players. With Caleb Williams at quarterback and a host of talented receivers, Johnson has the potential to turn the Bears into an offensive juggernaut.
Personnel Groupings: The Key to Unlocking Offensive Potential
Understanding NFL personnel groupings is crucial to understanding offensive trends. The personnel number system identifies the number of running backs and tight ends on the field. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 11 Personnel: 1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs (Most common)
- 12 Personnel: 1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs (Rising in popularity)
- 21 Personnel: 2 RBs, 1 TE, 2 WRs
- 22 Personnel: 2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR
- 10 Personnel: 1 RB, 0 TEs, 4 WRs
- 13 Personnel: 1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR
Teams are increasingly using a variety of personnel groupings to create mismatches and keep defenses off balance. The Atlanta Falcons, under their new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, are expected to use 11 personnel frequently. In contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers, with Greg Roman as their offensive coordinator, are likely to use heavier personnel groupings, such as 13 personnel, with multiple tight ends on the field.
Conclusion: The Art of Deception
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, offensive formation trends are constantly shifting. The key to success is to be adaptable, unpredictable, and able to exploit the weaknesses of opposing defenses. Whether it’s the resurgence of power running, the rise of 12 personnel, or the continued use of spread formations, the goal is always the same: to score points and win games.