The Los Angeles Rams' offense, a seemingly unstoppable force, might face its toughest test yet against an unexpected opponent: the Detroit Lions. Why? Because the Rams' recent reliance on a unique offensive strategy – one that's baffling defenses across the league – might be rendered completely ineffective. This strategy centers around something called '13 personnel,' using one running back and three tight ends. But here's the kicker: the Lions are uniquely equipped to neutralize it.
For years, under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams almost never utilized 13 personnel. We're talking a mere 84 times in his first nine seasons! To put that into perspective, that's like a chef suddenly deciding to only use a spice they've practically ignored for a decade. (https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2025/11/10/rams-13-personnel-offense-change-sean-mcvay-tight-ends/87195848007/) Fast forward to this season, and the Rams are leading the NFL in 13 personnel usage, clocking in at a staggering 170 snaps – a full 21.4% of their offensive plays. (https://sumersports.com/teams/offensive/personnel-tendency/?personnel=13) The league average? A paltry 5.25%. Talk about a dramatic shift!
Against the Arizona Cardinals just last week, the Rams went all-in on 13 personnel, using it a whopping 60% of the time. Why the sudden obsession? Well, the Rams' offensive game plan has been gradually leaning this way, and this formation can take some pressure off their star wide receivers. When the Rams jumped out to a significant lead against the Cardinals, they used 13 personnel to effectively control the clock with their running game.
But McVay revealed another crucial factor: the Cardinals' defensive strategy. They stubbornly stuck with a nickel package (five defensive backs), effectively daring the Rams to run the ball. "They came out in a lighter grouping, and they basically dared you to run it based on what they were doing," McVay explained. "And to the guys’ credit... they did a good job of being able to recognize it and get good, efficient runs early on.” The result? A dominant rushing performance by the Rams, racking up 249 yards, averaging a remarkable 6.9 yards per carry, and scoring three rushing touchdowns. According to SumerSports, when using 13 personnel, the Rams are among the top 10 in both passing (0.34 EPA/pass, eighth) and rushing efficiency (0.13 EPA/rush, fourth). (https://sumersports.com/teams/offensive/personnel-tendency/?personnel=13)
The beauty of 13 personnel, as Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell points out, lies in its predictability. "I think there’s predictability in 13. Normally, you know what you’re going to get,” Campbell stated. “Sometimes in 12, you don’t know if you’re going to get nickel or base defense. So, that’s another reason. They know what they’re going to attack. They know probably the defense, the fronts, the coverages, that helps. And they’ve got tight ends. They’ve got some tight ends that are versatile and do a little bit of everything, that’s always going to help.”
In essence, 13 personnel often forces defenses into a 'base' formation (four defensive backs), giving the offense an advantage by facing heavier personnel. Many teams are hesitant to match that kind of size and strength. And this is the part most people miss... the Lions thrive in those situations.
Here's where it gets controversial... The Lions are an anomaly. They spend more time in heavy, base formations than any other team in the NFL, regardless of what the opposing offense throws at them. Sharp Football Analysis reveals that the Lions utilize subpackages (like nickel) at the lowest rate in the league – only 35%. (https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/stats-nfl/nfl-defensive-tendencies/) They're confident in their ability to stop both the run and the pass with three linebackers on the field. Therefore, they don't see 13 personnel as a threat that will force them out of their comfort zone.
"When I hear a lot of 13 personnel, that they’re trying to dictate stuff,” Lions linebacker Jack Campbell said. “Because you only have a limited menu (against 13). I can’t speak for other defenses in the NFL, but usually, you have a limited menu in 13 personnel, because not a lot of teams run it. You’re going to get base (defense) out there. You’re going to probably get three linebackers out there, which we play a majority of the time. So it’s not really going to matter.”
Jack Campbell acknowledged that the Rams execute 13 personnel in a sophisticated manner, utilizing their players similarly to how they would in 12 or even 11 personnel formations, thanks to their talented and versatile tight end group. However, he emphasized that the Lions' defense is uniquely prepared to face these 13 looks. "It’s going to be a challenge, but at the same time, it’s not really—in my opinion—going to affect us terribly, just because I feel like we’re used to playing with three linebackers already,” Jack Campbell continued. “We kinda have some calls into that. We can mesh it on in, and the guys who are out there are versatile players.”
Of course, McVay is well aware of Detroit's defensive tendencies. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Rams scale back their 13 personnel usage against the Lions. Despite their recent focus on 13, McVay's offenses are historically known for their heavy use of 11 personnel (three wide receivers). Even with the uptick in 13, the Rams still use 11 personnel at the eighth-highest rate in the NFL this year, at 66.8%. (https://sumersports.com/teams/offensive/personnel-tendency/?personnel=11)
However, their rushing efficiency out of 11 personnel is significantly lower (0.03 EPA/rush, 17th). This means the Lions could potentially force the Rams out of their comfort zone on Sunday, provided they maintain a strong run defense in their base formation. If the Lions can successfully stifle the Rams' rushing attack, it could be the key to a major road upset.
So, what do you think? Will the Lions' defensive strategy be enough to neutralize the Rams' potent offense, or will McVay find a way to exploit Detroit's tendencies? Could the Lions' unusual defensive approach be the blueprint for other teams looking to contain high-powered offenses? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
