Fantasy: Looking at the top players from the 2016 season

Benny Feilhaber - Sporting Kansas City - Fantasy 2017

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.


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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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