It’s not uncommon for MLS Fantasy managers to feel a little overwhelmed at the start of a new season. All of the trades, new signings, league expansions, and rule changes that happen during the offseason can be hard to keep up with.
To help everyone out, I’ve put together a quick reference list of 2016’s top fantasy players from each position. So if you’re a new player just getting into the game, these players are great to build your team around. If you’re a veteran, well then just consider this a helpful reminder.
Goalkeepers
You didn’t have to spend big to get a quality 'keeper in 2016 and I expect 2017 to be the same. Clean sheets are the easiest source of points, but unreliable, so don’t overlook recoveries, which can quickly add up.
Player |
Team |
2017 Price |
2016 Points |
Clean Sheets |
Saves |
Recoveries |
Points Per Game |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robles |
NY |
$6.0 |
168 |
11 |
100 |
374 |
4.9 |
Rowe |
LA |
$5.5 |
166 |
10 |
112 |
333 |
5.4 |
Bingham |
SJ |
$6.0 |
155 |
8 |
105 |
328 |
4.6 |
Frei |
SEA |
$6.0 |
150 |
8 |
91 |
306 |
4.5 |
Saunders |
ORL |
$4.5 |
149 |
8 |
100 |
354 |
4.5 |
Defenders
Aggressive center backs have been the way to go for the past few years. Not only do they rack up defensive bonus points, but they are targets on set plays – those offensive points are the key to a top ranking (and also why you'll see a few fullbacks here).
Player |
Team |
2017 Price |
2016 Points |
Clean Sheets |
Clearances |
Interceptions |
Points Per Game |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimmerman |
DAL |
$6.5 |
169 |
11 |
144 |
104 |
5.6 |
Morrow |
TOR |
$6.0 |
165 |
10 |
46 |
71 |
5.3 |
Sjoberg |
COL |
$6.5 |
164 |
13 |
159 |
75 |
5.3 |
Afful |
CLB |
$6.0 |
163 |
9 |
44 |
78 |
5.4 |
Moor |
TOR |
$6.0 |
163 |
10 |
118 |
95 |
5.1 |
Midfielders
Defensive midfielders saw a jump is scores last season, but it’s still the playmakers who are the best source of points. Their value is clearly reflected in their price so be on the lookout for consistent lower priced players to supplement the big names.
Player |
Team |
2017 Price |
2016 Points |
Goals |
Assists |
Chances Created |
Points Per Game |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Piatti |
MTL |
$10.0 |
234 |
17 |
6 |
62 |
7.3 |
Kljestan |
NY |
$10.0 |
225 |
6 |
20 |
104 |
7 |
Valeri |
POR |
$10.0 |
222 |
14 |
7 |
88 |
7.4 |
Alonso |
SEA |
$9.5 |
200 |
3 |
4 |
27 |
6.3 |
Feilhaber |
SKC |
$10.0 |
189 |
7 |
13 |
55 |
6.3 |
Forwards
The ability to score goals is a characteristic of a great forward, but a high number of shots on goal is what makes a great fantasy forward. If you can find a player who does both, then you’re on the right track so be on the lookout for breakout talent.
Player |
Team |
2017 Price |
2016 Points |
Goals |
Assists |
Shots |
Points Per Game |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Giovinco |
TOR |
$12.0 |
255 |
17 |
15 |
176 |
9.1 |
Villa |
NYC |
$10.0 |
243 |
23 |
4 |
164 |
7.4 |
Wright-Phillips |
NY |
$10.0 |
223 |
24 |
5 |
10 |
6.6 |
dos Santos |
LA |
$10.0 |
183 |
13 |
12 |
62 |
6.5 |
Dwyer |
SKC |
$9.0 |
175 |
16 |
3 |
118 |
5.3 |
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