Normally, we expect the big news from a double-game week to be the ridiculous scores that fantasy managers pull down, not a staggering number of player rotations and an average score that barely breaks the 60-point mark. Yet this disappointment was not shared by all. Many players came away with great scores, but none more impressive than Hank Stebbins, manager of The Volunteers, who earned 128 points and won the Round 15 MLSStore.com gift card.
While Round 15 may have been a disappointment, Round 16 is a turning point. Double-game weeks are going to become more sparse, Copa America Centenario players are returning and your chance to use your first free wildcard is nearing an end. But the most important change in the increase in the number of bye rounds, and unless you want to take a lot of -4 hits, it’s time to start prepping.
Here is my list of players who I think can help you succeed in Round 16 while not handicapping yourself for the upcoming bye rounds.
Goalkeepers
DGW Option: I know we’ve all been burnt by DGW rotations in the past, but 'keepers are the least likely to need some “rest” so consider Josh Saunders ($4.9) if you’re 'keeper shopping. He’s not been the highest-scoring 'keeper, but with New England’s starting spot in question, he’s the most likely to get 180 minutes and NYC will bring everything they have when they host the Red Bulls.
Ground Floor: If you’re interested in taking a risk on a keeper that could be around for a while, then Tim Howard ($6.0) could be the guy for you. We all know he’s a world-class player, but the risk is that he’ll shake up the solid defensive form that we have come to expect from the Rapids. Even if this does happen, the break in period won’t be long, and Howard should soon start to rack up clean sheets.
Defenders
Big Money: If you are ready to spend big on a defender, then Drew Moor ($7.7) should be one of your targets. Toronto’s defense does not get a lot of love, but like Colorado, they have also earned six clean sheets this season and Moor has played big part. With four home games over the next six weeks, the chances for Moor to come away with more big scores are good.
Differential Pick: When a team is in form, everyone wants a piece of them, so if you’re looking for the cheapest way into the Red Bulls’ defense, then Connor Lade ($6.2) is your answer. His bonus-point production is not high, but with a promising schedule over the next few rounds, getting Lade now means you have a chance at more clean sheets and a defender who will be available during the Round 18 bye week.
Midfielders
DGW Option: The obvious midfield pick for this round is Lee Nguyen ($11.8), yet he’s owned by fewer than 12 percent of managers. His clear drawback is New England’s upcoming bye in Round 18, but if you’re able to plan around that, then you’ll be able to take advantage of a player who has averaged almost nine points per game over his last eight games.
Old Hero: If you’re ready to believe that the struggles Sporting Kansas City has been suffering are about to end, then perhaps you’re ready to consider Benny Feilhaber ($11.1). He’s played the full 90 minutes in each of his last three games and has scored a goal and earned two assists. With a promising schedule coming up, we could see a return of Benny’s 2015 form.
Forwards
On Form: If you’re ready to try your luck with a different Real Salt Lake forward, then Yura Movsisyan ($8.8) in the guy who’s currently pulling down the points. Over his last five games, he’s scored four goals and played almost every minute in his last three. The next two rounds should offer Movsisyan a good chance at more goals, and his lower price will make it easier to pair him with the more expensive forwards.
These are the players who I think are going to stand out in Round 16; who are you targeting? Post your thoughts in the comments below and if you are interested in more charts and tips, check out the latest posts over at MLS Fantasy Boss and advice from the other MLS Fantasy Experts.
Also, I’ll be manning the @MLSFantasy Twitter account before games kickoff today, so be sure to send me any of your last-minute questions because after all, I always care about your fantasy team.
