In 2025 the San Francisco 49ers lined up in 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) on 43.3% of their offensive snaps (29th most in the NFL), averaging 0.114 EPA per play with a 45.8% success rate; 12 personnel 11.4%, 21 personnel 37% and 13 personnel 0.2%.
Defensively the San Francisco 49ers played nickel (5 DB) on 79% of snaps — base 18.4% and dime 1.6%, allowing 0.044 EPA per play in nickel (22nd in the NFL).
They snapped from shotgun 52.1% of the time and under center 45.6%.
The on-field diagram places the current depth-chart starters in 11 personnel against the Commanders defense: Brock Purdy (QB), Christian McCaffrey (RB), Mike Evans (WR1), Jordan Watkins (WR2), Jacob Cowing (WR3) and George Kittle (TE).
Frequently asked questions
How often do the San Francisco 49ers use 11 personnel?
The San Francisco 49ers used 11 personnel on 43.3% of offensive snaps in 2025, the 29th highest rate in the league, producing 0.114 EPA per play and a 45.8% success rate.
What is the San Francisco 49ers base personnel package?
11 personnel (1 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR) is the San Francisco 49ers most-used package — 43.3% of snaps in 2025.
How often does the San Francisco 49ers defense play nickel?
The San Francisco 49ers defense was in nickel personnel (five defensive backs) on 79% of snaps in 2025, base on 18.4% and dime on 1.6%.
Who lines up in the San Francisco 49ers 12 personnel package?
In 12 personnel (two tight ends) the San Francisco 49ers skill players are Christian McCaffrey (RB), Mike Evans (WR1), Jordan Watkins (WR2), George Kittle (TE) and Luke Farrell (TE2).
What is 11 personnel in the NFL?
Personnel groupings count the running backs and tight ends on the field: 11 personnel is 1 RB and 1 TE (so three receivers), 12 is 1 RB and 2 TE, 21 is 2 RB and 1 TE. Defenses answer with base (4 DB), nickel (5 DB) or dime (6 DB) packages.