NFL’s Most Dynamic Offenses: How Personnel Groupings Shape the 2026 Attack

NFL offenses are constantly evolving, and the way teams deploy their skill players—the "personnel groupings"—is a crucial factor in their success. As the league gears up for the 2026 season, an analysis of the 2025 campaign reveals which teams thrived in the most common offensive groupings and how those trends are shaping the outlook for this year’s contenders.

Personnel groupings describe the combination of running backs and tight ends on the field. The most frequently used are:

• 11 personnel: 1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers
• 12 personnel: 1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers
• 13 personnel: 1 running back, 3 tight ends, 1 wide receiver
• 21 personnel: 2 running backs, 1 tight end, 2 wide receivers
• 22 personnel: 2 running backs, 2 tight ends, 1 wide receiver

According to ESPN NFL’s review of the 2025 season, the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs were at the forefront of offensive innovation, leveraging their personnel flexibility to create mismatches.

11 Personnel: The Foundation of Modern Offense

The majority of NFL offenses rely heavily on 11 personnel, which maximizes the use of three wide receivers. Teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles were among the league leaders in both volume and efficiency in this grouping throughout 2025. The Bengals’ high-octane passing attack, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, thrived by spreading defenses thin and exploiting mismatches in coverage.

• Bengals averaged over 7.2 yards per play in 11 personnel
• Eagles ranked top-five in EPA (expected points added) per play from 11 personnel

The Chiefs also excelled in this grouping, using creative motion and versatile receivers to keep defenses guessing. Heading into 2026, these teams are expected to continue leveraging 11 personnel as the backbone of their attack.

12 and 13 Personnel: Tight End Versatility

When teams want to add a physical edge or create confusion for defenses, they turn to groupings with more tight ends. The 49ers were especially dominant in 12 personnel, thanks to their combination of run-blocking and pass-catching tight ends. San Francisco averaged 6.7 yards per play in 12 personnel—among the league’s best.

• 49ers’ 12 personnel: 6.7 yards per play
• Chiefs’ 13 personnel: Top-three in touchdown rate from red zone snaps

In 13 personnel, Kansas City’s use of multiple tight ends gave them a distinct advantage near the goal line. Their ability to disguise run versus pass kept defensive coordinators off balance, leading to a high touchdown percentage from inside the 10-yard line.

21 and 22 Personnel: Power and Creativity

While less common, groupings with two running backs—21 and 22 personnel—were effectively utilized by teams such as the 49ers and the Cleveland Browns. The 49ers, in particular, used these heavy sets to create power running lanes and set up play-action. Cleveland’s ground game was one of the most productive in 21 personnel, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

• 49ers led the NFL in rushing success rate from 21 personnel
• Browns averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 21 personnel

Teams leveraging 22 personnel often found success in short-yardage and goal-line situations, with San Francisco and Kansas City again showing their versatility.

2026 Outlook: Trends to Watch

Heading into the new season, ESPN NFL projects that the 49ers, Chiefs, Bengals, and Eagles will remain at the forefront of offensive innovation. The ability to seamlessly transition between personnel groupings is becoming a hallmark of elite teams. Coaches are increasingly emphasizing versatility among tight ends and running backs, enabling playbooks to expand and adapt week-to-week.

Key takeaways for fans and analysts:

• Teams that excel at multiple personnel groupings are less predictable and more difficult to defend
• Look for continued emphasis on tight end versatility and creative use of running backs
• Statistical leaders from 2025 are positioned to repeat their success in 2026, with the 49ers and Chiefs as prime examples

As offenses evolve, expect to see even more creative deployments of personnel groupings, with top teams pushing the boundaries of traditional formations. For full team stats and player profiles, visit the NFL standings and Pro-Football-Reference for detailed breakdowns.