While the Los Angeles Rams failed to win a Super Bowl last season, they certainly have a shot at getting the job done during the upcoming 2026-2027 campaign. Here’s how the team can win the Lombard Trophy, starting with the 13 personnel, which is one of the most unique offenses in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Unique Game Plan Could Be the Key to Winning the Super Bowl
Rams Use of 13 Personnel
Last season, the Los Angeles Rams used 13 personnel on 30.5% of their offensive snaps, which wasn’t just the most but historically unprecedented. The Rams’ use of 13 personnel was more than twice that of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who used it on 13.2%.
Consisting of one running back, three tight ends, and a receiver, 13 personnel is traditionally used in power running, goal-line situations, short-yardage, and extra pass protection, but the Rams use it differently.
The use of 13 personnel is simple; it doesn’t limit the offense. Many bootlegs and play-action passes come out of the formation, which is designed perfectly for quarterback Matthew Stafford and the receiving core. The Rams’ offensive strength lies in the ability to fake the run and space the receivers. Stafford, who led the league in play-action passes, welcomes the play style.
Last season, the Rams finished first in the NFL in scoring and yardage, regularly relying on 13 personnel. In this year’s draft, the Rams even selected another tight end in the second round, making that the team’s fourth.
The formation and play style make the Rams one of the best-built and operated teams in the league. Other than the overwhelming use of the tight end, the Rams use the formation to establish their formidable running game.
Rams Backfield
The Los Angeles Rams’ backfield, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards last season. While the star of the offense is the passing game, Williams and Corum are the glue that keeps the offense consistently moving. Last season, the Rams had a historically efficient running game. The backfield posted a 51.6% success rate, which was third this decade behind only the 2018 Rams and the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams average nearly five yards per carry and more than eight yards per drop back.
13 personnel is a formation that many of the NFL’s top play callers use in their offenses. Greg Roman, Kevin Stefanski, Kyle Shanahan, Ben Johnson, and Klint Kubiak all use the 13 personnel in their playbooks. As the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson frequently used 13 personnel to implement an elite offensive running game. The combination of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery was a nightmare to guard in the formation.
Rams Offensive Versatility
Rams head coach Sean McVay has emphasized versatility and tight end depth.
“(Tight end depth) gives us the ability to mix personnel. And ultimately, it’s how do we bring it to life? What does that really look like? But I feel like we’ve got a really deep tight end room,” McVay said in 2025. (Tight end coach) Scooter (Scott) Huff has done an excellent job. Tyler Higbee is leading the way. I think Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen have been outstanding, and I’ve really been pleased with Terrance Ferguson… That gives us a real chance to be versatile.”
After the 2024 season, McVay said he wanted a more versatile offense. At the time, the Rams used 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end) 81.25% of the time, second most in the NFL for the 2024 season.
McVay’s use of 13 personnel is incredibly hard to replicate. Built for the formation, the Rams are using it as a way to dominate offensively. Stafford and star receiver Puka Nacua have thrived in the offense over the past two years, making it the obvious choice for team success.
Main Image: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
