If you’ve ever heard people discussing a sports tournament, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Survive and Advance.” It is precisely what a Guillotine League is all about. The goal is to be the last team standing or to survive the entire season. This league offers a unique perspective on fantasy football, and it is my favorite type of redraft league based on my experience.
Breakdown
In a Guillotine League, there are 18 teams to start the season, which lasts for 17 weeks. Every week, the team with the lowest score is eliminated or “chopped,” and their roster is made available on waivers. Each week, the process repeats until we have one team remaining.
The unique aspect of Guillotine Leagues is that it doesn’t matter if you’re the highest-scoring or second-to-last team in points. As long as you progress, you’re in the clear. Because the objective is to survive each week, managers may evaluate players differently than in other formats.
Playoffs
You have two options ultimately, depending on your preference for which path to take.
Last Man Standing
Each week, the team with the lowest score is eliminated until only one team remains.
Final Four
In the last three weeks of the season (Weeks 15-17), The four remaining teams compete for the highest combined score. No team will be eliminated. The champion is determined strictly by the team with the most combined points over three weeks among the four teams.
Rosters
Traditionally, rosters are 14 players deep, with 8 starters. Starting lineups look something like this:
- 1 QB
- 2 RB
- 2 WR
- 1 TE
- 2 Flex
You can modify roster sizes and starting spots however you prefer. There are Superflex Guillotine Leagues for those who want to add more chaos to the league.
Waivers
Each team will receive a fixed amount of FAAB for the year. Unused FAAB cannot be carried over after being chopped, so using it at the correct times is essential.
Scoring
It can be in whichever format you prefer. However, most Guillotine Leagues use PPR scoring.
Strategy
When creating a team for a Guillotine League, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Having a bye week early in the season is concerning.
- Is the player a safe and consistent option or a high-risk, high-reward choice?
- Early on, rookies can be treacherous.
- Is the player touchdown-dependent?
- Does the player serve as a focal point of their team’s offense?
- Compare running backs who catch passes and those who do not.
- Comparing Konami quarterbacks to pocket passers.
- Your team will undergo several changes throughout the season.
- Pay attention to other team’s needs when spending FAAB.
I highly recommend trying it this season – trust me, you won’t be disappointed! In fact, after my first experience, I wanted to join multiple Guillotine Leagues. The great news is that all fantasy football platforms can accommodate this format.
With an active commissioner to handle team removal each week, it’s easy to get started. If you’re new to the idea, Sleeper is a user-friendly platform perfect for trying out Guillotine Leagues. Give it a shot and see how much fun fantasy football can be!
Check out my YouTube video on Guillotine Leagues for a more thorough breakdown.
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Jesse Moeller
Jesse Moeller is a fascinating character. By day, he's a restaurant manager, but during his free time, he transforms into a fantasy football analyst. He's been playing fantasy football since 1999, which means he's been around the block a few times. But his passion for the game has never waned. Jesse is a devoted husband to his wife Andrea, whom he's been married to for five years. They have a lovely daughter Cecilia, who is now four years old. Jesse's journey into content creation began with The League Winners in 2021, and he hasn't looked back since. Dynasty is his passion, and his love for the game is infectious. Jesse is a true degenerate who loves the fantasy football and the community that supports it.