Formations in NFL

The quarterback lines up about five yards behind the center, in order to allow a better view of the defense and more time to get a pass off. The shotgun can distribute its 3 other backs and 2 ends any number of ways, but most commonly employs one running back, lined up next to the QB, one tight end and three wide receivers. This formation is most commonly used for passing, but the quarterback can also hand off to a running back or run himself.

Also known as the "ace" or "singleback" formation, the single set back formation consists of one running back lined up about five yards behind the quarterback. The basic singleback set does not employ a fullback. The other players that are not on the line of scrimmage can either act as tight ends or wide receivers. This formation is normally used for a pass play, but can also be good for running, as defenders must move at least one player out of the middle of the field (the "box", between the tackles on the offensive line) to cover the additional wide receiver or tight end. Since an extra wide receiver is lined up in the space between the tackle or tight end and the outside wide receiver, he is called the slot receiver.

This formation features 1 running back, 2 tight ends, and 2 wide receivers on the field. The first digit ("1") stands for one running back, and the second digit ("2") stands for two tight ends. The remaining skill players needed to reach 11 total offensive players on the field are the two wide receiver.

It is essentially a shotgun variation, with the quarterback lined up closer than in standard shotgun (normally 3 to 4 yards behind center), and a running back lined up behind, rather than next to, the QB (normally at 3 to 4 yards behind quarterback).

Also known simply as "Five-wide", a reference to the five wide receivers. In the empty backfield formation, all of the backs play near the line of scrimmage to act as extra wide receivers or tight ends, with the quarterback lining up either under center or, most commonly, in the shotgun. This is almost exclusively a passing formation used to spread the field, often to open up short inside routes or screen routes.

This formation features 1 running back, 3 tight ends, and 1 wide receiver on the field. The first digit ("1") stands for one running back, and the second digit ("3") stands for three tight ends. Extra tight ends add blocking power to dominate the line of scrimmage. Forces defenses to put heavy, slower personnel on the field to stop the run.

This was once one of the most common formations used at all levels of football, though it has been superseded over the past decade or so by formations that put the quarterback in the shotgun formation. "The I" consists of two backs lined up behind the quarterback, with the back closest to the quarterback being called the fullback and the back behind the fullback called the running back, tailback, or I-back.

This base defense consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs (two safeties, two corners). Against two-receiver offensive sets, this formation is effective against the run and the pass. In the original 4–3, defensive tackles would line up opposite the offensive guards, and defensive ends on the outside shoulders of the offensive tackles.

This is the base defense of some teams. It consists of three defensive linemen, four linebackers, and four defensive backs (two safeties, two corners). The advantage is that while 4 players still usually rush the line, the quarterback can be less sure of which of the 4 linebackers will join the 3 linemen. This formation sacrifices some size (of linemen) for speed (of linebackers), but coaches choosing to utilize this formation as their base defense typically choose larger players in the front 7 to make up for the shortage of size.

A modern football alignment featuring four down linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. It functions as a permanent or base nickel package designed to counter spread offenses by trading linebacker size for secondary speed while maintaining an eight-man front to stop the run.

A football alignment featuring three down linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. Created to counter modern spread and pass-heavy offenses, it uses a flexible six-man box to confuse quarterbacks, stop interior runs, and easily disguise pass coverage.

A specialized dime package featuring 4 defensive linemen, 1 linebacker, and 6 defensive backs. It matches speed with speed and is used primarily in obvious passing situations like 3rd-and-long, empty backfields, or when trailing teams must throw late in the game.

A sub-package using 3 linemen, 2 linebackers, and 6 defensive backs. It matches modern spread offenses, covers 4-wide receiver sets, and defends passing downs like third-and-long. It trades size at the line for speed and coverage flexibility. Uses extra defensive backs to confuse quarterbacks and mix blitzes.