Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 18-team guillotine league — here are the results

Yahoo

4 days ago

Yahoo Fantasy staff members took part in an 18-team, 14-round guillotine mock draft to help give an idea of how to approach building a roster in this format.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
The scoring for this mock is half PPR (point per reception) with the following roster spots: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, IR.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated:
Ben Zweiman (Editorial team)
Jonathan Bassey (Podcast team)
Aaron Tan (Social team)
Matt Harmon (Fantasy analyst)
Trevor Brigham (Customer care team)
Mo Castillo (Editorial team)
Jason Klabacha (Editorial team)
Brett Rader (Podcast team)
Scott Pianowski (Fantasy analyst)
Justin Boone (Fantasy analyst)
Collin Brennan (Podcast team)
Dan Harris (Podcast team)
Dan Titus (Fantasy analyst)
Jason Jung (Podcast team)
John Adams (Customer care team)
Mike Graben (Product team)
Adam Hellwig (Customer care team)
Brett Kundtz (Business intelligence team)
Round 1
Pick
Player
Team
1
Ja'Marr Chase
Ben Zweiman
2
Bijan Robinson
Jonathan Bassey
3
Saquon Barkley
Aaron Tan
4
Jahmyr Gibbs
Matt Harmon
5
CeeDee Lamb
Trevor Brigham
6
Justin Jefferson
Mo Castillo
7
Puka Nacua
Jason Klabacha
8
Christian McCaffrey
Brett Rader
9
Derrick Henry
Scott Pianowski
10
Nico Collins
Justin Boone
11
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Collin Brennan
12
Ashton Jeanty
Dan Harris
13
Brian Thomas Jr.
Dan Titus
14
Malik Nabers
Jason Jung
15
Jonathan Taylor
John Adams
16
Drake London
Mike Graben
17
Josh Jacobs
Adam Hellwig
18
De'Von Achane
Brett Kundtz
In an 18-team league, the first round might be the only round that feels fairly normal, since you haven't strayed that far from traditional league drafts. However, the deeper you get into the opening frame, you start to realize how quickly the talent level is falling off and how long you'll be waiting in between picks. Keep that in mind for later, so you don't end up on the wrong side of a position run.
My Pick: Collins was the WR8 in fantasy points per game (17.6) last year, despite missing five weeks with a hamstring injury. Prior to getting hurt, he was the fourth-highest-scoring wideout, averaging 21.3 fppg. While having a bye in Week 6 does feel a little early in the season to be without my first-round pick, Collins' talent (and potential path to a top-five finish) was too tough to pass up.
Round 2
Pick
Player
Team
19
Bucky Irving
Brett Kundtz
20
Josh Allen
Adam Hellwig
21
Ladd McConkey
Mike Graben
22
A.J. Brown
John Adams
23
Lamar Jackson
Jason Jung
24
Chase Brown
Dan Titus
25
Jayden Daniels
Dan Harris
26
Brock Bowers
Collin Brennan
27
Omarion Hampton
Justin Boone
28
Kyren Williams
Scott Pianowski
29
Trey McBride
Brett Rader
30
Mike Evans
Jason Klabacha
31
James Cook
Mo Castillo
32
Breece Hall
Trevor Brigham
33
Tee Higgins
Matt Harmon
34
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Aaron Tan
35
Garrett Wilson
Jonathan Bassey
36
Chuba Hubbard
Ben Zweiman
Three elite quarterbacks and two elite tight ends go off the board already, as managers try to find players who will give them an immediate edge. They'll have to hope it's enough of an advantage to overcome the potential holes it could cause in their lineups at other important positions like running back and receiver.
My Pick: Some guillotine players shy away from rookies, since they could take longer to get comfortable in the pros, and if they start slow it could result in an early exit for that manager. Any concerns about Omarion Hampton's early-season role are quickly disappearing with each day that Najee Harris sits out due to his eye injury. The first-round rookie is impressing coaches and distancing himself on the depth chart from his veteran teammate Harris. Get ready for Hampton to make noise early and often this season as a borderline fantasy RB1.
Round 3
Pick
Player
Team
37
George Kittle
Ben Zweiman
38
Jalen Hurts
Jonathan Bassey
39
Tyreek Hill
Aaron Tan
40
Kenneth Walker III
Matt Harmon
41
Marvin Harrison Jr.
Trevor Brigham
42
Joe Burrow
Mo Castillo
43
James Conner
Jason Klabacha
44
DJ Moore
Brett Rader
45
Terry McLaurin
Scott Pianowski
46
Alvin Kamara
Justin Boone
47
David Montgomery
Collin Brennan
48
DK Metcalf
Dan Harris
49
Courtland Sutton
Dan Titus
50
RJ Harvey
Jason Jung
51
Davante Adams
John Adams
52
Xavier Worthy
Mike Graben
53
Sam LaPorta
Adam Hellwig
54
Rashee Rice
Brett Kundtz
While I'm a big fan of Rashee Rice in redraft leagues, taking him this early in a guillotine format is very dangerous due to a potential suspension that might be handed out before the season. In redraft, you could find replacements and risk losing a game or two while you wait for his return, but in guillotine you might not be around by the time he gets back. Team Kundtz will have to hope Rice avoids a suspension or gets a very short ban.
My Pick: Taking Kamara in the third round feels odd, but drafting him as the 19th running back selected feels like a gift. Though he turned 30 years old this summer, the veteran is coming off back-to-back top-five fantasy RB seasons and has finished top-eight in seven of his eight NFL campaigns.
Round 4
Pick
Player
Team
55
Patrick Mahomes
Brett Kundtz
56
Jameson Williams
Adam Hellwig
57
Baker Mayfield
Mike Graben
58
Zay Flowers
John Adams
59
George Pickens
Jason Jung
60
D'Andre Swift
Dan Titus
61
Tony Pollard
Dan Harris
62
Khalil Shakir
Collin Brennan
63
Tetairoa McMillan
Justin Boone
64
DeVonta Smith
Scott Pianowski
65
TreVeyon Henderson
Brett Rader
66
Kaleb Johnson
Jason Klabacha
67
Isiah Pacheco
Mo Castillo
68
Calvin Ridley
Trevor Brigham
69
Aaron Jones Sr.
Matt Harmon
70
Brian Robinson Jr.
Aaron Tan
71
Chris Olave
Jonathan Bassey
72
Rome Odunze
Ben Zweiman
Odunze stands out as a very intriguing value at the end of this round. His situation in Chicago has improved greatly since an up-and-down rookie season. New head coach Ben Johnson has continuously praised his sophomore wideout and some people covering the team believe Odunze might emerge as the Bears' No. 1 receiver this year. He also faces the Vikings, Lions and Cowboys in the opening three weeks — all of which finished among the top six in fantasy points allowed to WRs in 2024. That's a great addition in this range by Team Zweiman.
My Pick: I'm living on the edge, selecting a second rookie within the first four rounds. But McMillan got early first-round capital in April's draft and landed with a team in desperate need of a true top option in the passing game. He's also on the verge of getting as many targets as he can handle in Carolina. Bryce Young settled in during the second half of the season under Dave Canales' tutelage and now appears poised to break out with McMillan as his premier weapon. He even has the benefit of friendly matchups with the Jaguars and Falcons in two of the first three weeks.
Round 5
Pick
Player
Team
73
Jordan Mason
Ben Zweiman
74
T.J. Hockenson
Jonathan Bassey
75
Travis Kelce
Aaron Tan
76
Jaylen Waddle
Matt Harmon
77
Jaylen Warren
Trevor Brigham
78
Josh Downs
Mo Castillo
79
Justin Fields
Jason Klabacha
80
Kyler Murray
Brett Rader
81
Mark Andrews
Scott Pianowski
82
Travis Hunter
Justin Boone
83
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Collin Brennan
84
David Njoku
Dan Harris
85
Bo Nix
Dan Titus
86
Jauan Jennings
Jason Jung
87
Evan Engram
John Adams
88
Quinshon Judkins
Mike Graben
89
Jordan Addison
Adam Hellwig
90
Jerry Jeudy
Brett Kundtz
Addison is in a similar situation as Rice, with a possible suspension looming before the season. There are still a lot of comparable receivers available in this range, so it seems like an unnecessary risk for a fantasy starter at Addison's level.
My Pick: Hunter is one of the most exciting rookies to enter the league, maybe ever. Unfortunately, we won't score points for his defensive snaps in this format. The good news is that he's apparently excelling on both sides of the ball at Jaguars' practices. He's even shone as the hardest Jags' receiver to cover in one-on-one drills, according to beat writer John Shipley. Make no mistake, Hunter is not a safe pick due to the uncertainty around how he'll be used on offense and defense, but I'm confident in him as a flex option.
Round 6
Pick
Player
Team
91
Tucker Kraft
Brett Kundtz
92
Travis Etienne Jr.
Adam Hellwig
93
Jayden Reed
Mike Graben
94
Joe Mixon
John Adams
95
Dallas Goedert
Jason Jung
96
Najee Harris
Dan Titus
97
Ricky Pearsall
Dan Harris
98
Emeka Egbuka
Collin Brennan
99
Brock Purdy
Justin Boone
100
Stefon Diggs
Scott Pianowski
101
Jakobi Meyers
Brett Rader
102
Javonte Williams
Jason Klabacha
103
Jake Ferguson
Mo Castillo
104
Dak Prescott
Trevor Brigham
105
Deebo Samuel
Matt Harmon
106
Cooper Kupp
Aaron Tan
107
Zach Charbonnet
Jonathan Bassey
108
Caleb Williams
Ben Zweiman
Team Brennan took one of my favorite values in this year's drafts in Egbuka. With Chris Godwin's recovery timeline unknown and his status for Week 1 unclear, the first-round rookie could play a very big part in the Buccaneers offense right out of the gate. It helps that everyone around the Bucs, including Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, have been highlighting Egbuka as a player who will make his mark this season.
My Pick: When drafting in a typical redraft league, I'm more than willing to wait on the one-off positions like quarterback, but the goal of a guillotine league is to survive — so filling out your starting lineup is a priority. Purdy is a steady performer who finished as the QB8 in fppg in 2023 and the QB12 last season. He also has the fourth-easiest fantasy strength of schedule in my matrix.
Round 7
Pick
Player
Team
109
Matthew Golden
Ben Zweiman
110
Michael Pittman Jr.
Jonathan Bassey
111
Geno Smith
Aaron Tan
112
Drake Maye
Matt Harmon
113
Tyler Warren
Trevor Brigham
114
Rhamondre Stevenson
Mo Castillo
115
Dalton Kincaid
Jason Klabacha
116
J.K. Dobbins
Brett Rader
117
Jared Goff
Scott Pianowski
118
Colston Loveland
Justin Boone
119
Trevor Lawrence
Collin Brennan
120
Cam Skattebo
Dan Harris
121
Kyle Pitts
Dan Titus
122
Bhayshul Tuten
Jason Jung
123
Justin Herbert
John Adams
124
Rashid Shaheed
Mike Graben
125
Rachaad White
Adam Hellwig
126
Tank Bigsby
Brett Kundtz
By the end of the seventh round, all 18 teams had found a quarterback. That's important to note, since all of the passers chosen so far have low-end QB1 fantasy finishes within their range of outcomes. While some teams are selecting RBs in split backfields at this point, you could be the manager locking down your starting QB or TE. It's something to consider when deciding on your build and where you want to invest draft capital.
My Pick: I went with a tight end here in an effort to complete my starting lineup as soon as possible and maximize its Week 1 potential. When I miss out on the elite TEs, I tend to target the tier of Kraft, Kincaid, Warren and Loveland. When three of those guys went off the board in the last round and a half, I knew it was time to scoop up the final player in that tier. The Bears clearly envisioned a big role for Loveland when they chose him 10th overall and he's already starting to flash in camp. After the immediate success we've seen from rookie tight ends in recent years, it won't be surprising if Loveland is a top-12 fantasy TE this season.
Round 8
Pick
Player
Team
127
Keon Coleman
Brett Kundtz
128
Luther Burden III
Adam Hellwig
129
Hunter Henry
Mike Graben
130
Tyjae Spears
John Adams
131
Chris Godwin
Jason Jung
132
Darnell Mooney
Dan Titus
133
Rashod Bateman
Dan Harris
134
Dylan Sampson
Collin Brennan
135
Ray Davis
Justin Boone
136
Jordan Love
Scott Pianowski
137
Marvin Mims Jr.
Brett Rader
138
Trey Benson
Jason Klabacha
139
Isaac Guerendo
Mo Castillo
140
Nick Chubb
Trevor Brigham
141
Braelon Allen
Matt Harmon
142
Roschon Johnson
Aaron Tan
143
Jayden Higgins
Jonathan Bassey
144
Tyler Allgeier
Ben Zweiman
Keeping injury and off-field situations in mind is always smart in guillotine drafts. Godwin and Mooney have injuries that could impact their Week 1 availability, which might turn them into stashes more than potential starting options early in the season. Meanwhile, Sampson and Chubb could get increased volume in the opening weeks if their projected starters (Quinshon Judkins, Joe Mixon) are still not suiting up.
My Pick: With my starting lineup filled out, I decided to take a luxury pick in this spot. Davis is the backup to James Cook, who's in the final year of his deal with the Bills and doesn't appear to be close to a contract extension. You always wonder how that will impact a player's desire to play through injuries that may occur during the season. That gives added value to Davis, who proved he can step up when called upon. As a rookie, Davis finished as the RB13 and RB14 in the only two contests where he played over 50% of the snaps last year.
Round 9
Pick
Player
Team
145
Hollywood Brown
Ben Zweiman
146
Kareem Hunt
Jonathan Bassey
147
Jaydon Blue
Aaron Tan
148
Cedric Tillman
Matt Harmon
149
C.J. Stroud
Trevor Brigham
150
Tre' Harris
Mo Castillo
151
Rico Dowdle
Jason Klabacha
152
Christian Kirk
Brett Rader
153
Adam Thielen
Scott Pianowski
154
DeMario Douglas
Justin Boone
155
Kyle Williams
Collin Brennan
156
Jaylen Wright
Dan Harris
157
Jerome Ford
Dan Titus
158
Austin Ekeler
Jason Jung
159
Jonnu Smith
John Adams
160
MarShawn Lloyd
Mike Graben
161
Jalen McMillan
Adam Hellwig
162
Quentin Johnston
Brett Kundtz
Ford is another example of a player who has added value in the guillotine format. With so much uncertainty around the team's second-round pick, Judkins, it seems like the Browns' backfield will feature Ford and Sampson at the beginning of the season. That makes them flex-worthy options.
My Pick: This was a very guillotine-specific selection for me. Douglas has been generating a lot of buzz as the busiest pass-catcher in Josh McDaniels' offense during camp and we know the history of featuring slot receivers in this system. Though the ceiling for Douglas isn't that enticing, he can be a reliable fill-in if any of my starters get hurt early in the season. It also helps that the Patriots have a Week 14 bye, which means Douglas will be on-call for the first 13 weeks.
Round 10
Pick
Player
Team
163
Joshua Palmer
Brett Kundtz
164
Blake Corum
Adam Hellwig
165
Brandon Aiyuk
Mike Graben
166
Michael Penix Jr.
John Adams
167
Jack Bech
Jason Jung
168
Wan'Dale Robinson
Dan Titus
169
Dyami Brown
Dan Harris
170
Miles Sanders
Collin Brennan
171
Pat Bryant
Justin Boone
172
Isaiah Likely
Scott Pianowski
173
Zach Ertz
Brett Rader
174
Jalen Coker
Jason Klabacha
175
DeAndre Hopkins
Mo Castillo
176
Xavier Legette
Trevor Brigham
177
Brenton Strange
Matt Harmon
178
Jordan James
Aaron Tan
179
Kendre Miller
Jonathan Bassey
180
Bryce Young
Ben Zweiman
Aiyuk is an interesting guillotine pick at this stage, mostly because of the injured reserve spot that's available. As he works his way back from an ACL tear, the 27-year-old might end up sitting out early in the season. We know Aiyuk can be a fantasy difference-maker when healthy — the only question is, how soon will he get back to form? Stashing him on IR and hoping he can contribute later is a worthwhile play at this point in the draft.
My Pick: Bryant is yet another rookie added to my roster, but based on the comments coming out of Broncos' practices, the third-round pick should carve out a role in Sean Payton's ascending offense. While Denver's No. 1 target, Courtland Sutton, just signed a new deal, the pecking order behind him in the receiver room is up in the air. Beating out part-time players like Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele doesn't seem like an insurmountable obstacle. It also doesn't hurt that Payton has compared Bryant to former Saints' star, Michael Thomas.
Round 11
Pick
Player
Team
181
Will Shipley
Ben Zweiman
182
Cameron Ward
Jonathan Bassey
183
Jarquez Hunter
Aaron Tan
184
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Matt Harmon
185
Michael Wilson
Trevor Brigham
186
Chig Okonkwo
Mo Castillo
187
J.J. McCarthy
Jason Klabacha
188
Justice Hill
Brett Rader
189
Cade Otton
Scott Pianowski
190
Woody Marks
Justin Boone
191
Brashard Smith
Collin Brennan
192
Alec Pierce
Dan Harris
193
Romeo Doubs
Dan Titus
194
Mike Gesicki
Jason Jung
195
Xavier Restrepo
John Adams
196
Matthew Stafford
Mike Graben
197
Jaleel McLaughlin
Adam Hellwig
198
Tua Tagovailoa
Brett Kundtz
The fact that McCarthy fell all the way to the 11th round as the QB24 makes me worried people at Yahoo aren't reading my articles.
After all, I wrote about McCarthy as one of the biggest breakout candidates at the quarterback position this year. The former first-round pick is healthy after a lost rookie season due to injury, he has an incredible supporting cast around him and Kevin O'Connell is a QB whisperer. Since taking over as the Vikings' head coach, O'Connell has helped Kirk Cousins, Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens and Sam Darnold all average QB14 fantasy stats or better when starting in this offense. Do we really think McCarthy is worse than all those passers? If he had lasted three more picks, he would have been my selection here.
My Pick: With McCarthy gone, I took Marks, whose projection could rise dramatically if we find out Mixon is going to miss significant time. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters he doesn't even want them talking about Mixon's injury, which seems like a strange approach if it wasn't a concerning ailment. Ryans also threw some cold water on Chubb's outlook by admitting he's not the same player he once was in the NFL. If Mixon's not available and Chubb is a declining veteran, Marks might have a chance to have a serious role in this backfield.
Round 12
Pick
Player
Team
199
Juwan Johnson
Brett Kundtz
200
Elijah Moore
Adam Hellwig
201
Mason Taylor
Mike Graben
202
Kyle Monangai
John Adams
203
Darius Slayton
Jason Jung
204
Sam Darnold
Dan Titus
205
Pat Freiermuth
Dan Harris
206
DJ Giddens
Collin Brennan
207
Elijah Arroyo
Justin Boone
208
Tyler Lockett
Scott Pianowski
209
Dontayvion Wicks
Brett Rader
210
Keenan Allen
Jason Klabacha
211
Anthony Richardson Sr.
Mo Castillo
212
Darren Waller
Trevor Brigham
213
Dont'e Thornton Jr.
Matt Harmon
214
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Aaron Tan
215
Jaylin Noel
Jonathan Bassey
216
Andrei Iosivas
Ben Zweiman
After pick 200, finding players who will have an impact on your guillotine season can be difficult. These tend to be the first names you drop when other rosters get eliminated and sent to the waiver wire. It's fine to plug any holes or secure some insurance with backups in this range, but we're getting into longshot territory — so don't be afraid to aim for upside. For example, Anthony Richardson Sr. is earning some positive reports in camp and might have the early edge over Daniel Jones. We've witnessed Richardson's fantasy prowess before and if he can have a better command of the Colts' offense, he offers week-winning upside as a potential QB1.
My Pick: The release of veteran Noah Fant before training camp opened the door for Arroyo to possibly start as early as Week 1. The second-round rookie excels as a pass-catcher and has been a very active part of the Seahawks' passing attack in practices. Whether that translates into regular production remains to be seen, but I'll gladly take a chance on him as my backup TE.
Round 13
Pick
Player
Team
217
Raheem Mostert
Ben Zweiman
218
Diontae Johnson
Jonathan Bassey
219
Terrance Ferguson
Aaron Tan
220
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Harmon
221
Tahj Brooks
Trevor Brigham
222
Elijah Mitchell
Mo Castillo
223
Jordan Whittington
Jason Klabacha
224
Tyler Shough
Brett Rader
225
Sean Tucker
Scott Pianowski
226
Jalen Royals
Justin Boone
227
Isaac TeSlaa
Collin Brennan
228
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Dan Harris
229
Dalton Schultz
Dan Titus
230
Devin Neal
Jason Jung
231
Ty Johnson
John Adams
232
Audric Estime
Mike Graben
233
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Adam Hellwig
234
Adonai Mitchell
Brett Kundtz
Running backs and receivers in the final rounds of an 18-team guillotine draft are pure Hail Mary selections and would likely require multiple things to happen in order to have fantasy relevance. Grabbing backup quarterbacks and tight ends might prove to be a better use of these draft slots, unless you can paint a picture where the RB or WR could have instant fantasy value for you.
My Pick: Royals is a deep sleeper for the Chiefs. Worthy and Brown have both dealt with injuries at different points in training camp, while Rice could face a possible suspension to start the year. If any of those players miss time, the fourth-rounder Royals is the next man up. He probably won't ever crack my starting lineup, but there's at least a path to him returning value in the opening weeks.
Round 14
Pick
Player
Team
235
Amari Cooper
Brett Kundtz
236
Russell Wilson
Adam Hellwig
237
Antonio Gibson
Mike Graben
238
Roman Wilson
John Adams
239
Tutu Atwell
Jason Jung
240
Jalen Nailor
Dan Titus
241
Calvin Austin III
Dan Harris
242
Phil Mafah
Collin Brennan
243
Daniel Jones
Justin Boone
244
Keaton Mitchell
Scott Pianowski
245
Tory Horton
Brett Rader
246
Elic Ayomanor
Jason Klabacha
247
Jermaine Burton
Mo Castillo
248
Ollie Gordon II
Trevor Brigham
249
Theo Johnson
Matt Harmon
250
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Aaron Tan
251
Tyler Higbee
Jonathan Bassey
252
Cole Kmet
Ben Zweiman
Nailor is a very sneaky pick here and I was disappointed he didn't fall to me in the final round. Similar to the Chiefs scenario, Minnesota might be without Addison early in the season if the league issues a suspension before then. That would create an opportunity for Nailor to temporarily play the No. 2 receiver role in the Vikings offense. Nailor caught touchdowns in both games Addison missed last year.
My Pick: With Richardson playing well so far in camp, Jones seems like the underdog to start for the Colts in Week 1. Even so, I didn't take a second quarterback and wasn't particularly thrilled by any of the names still available when I was on the clock at 243rd overall. So, taking a QB with a chance to win himself a starting job over the next month made sense.