Reid is back from vacation and is joined by Michael, Blayne and special Patreon guest Matt to help get everyone back into the Fantasy mood as we prep for the upcoming DGW on Wednesday. They start with a quick review of Round 19 scores, breakdown who has the easiest DGW schedule, get a heartfelt plug from Matt and then give a team by team preview for Round 20. Stick around until the end of the show as Mike drops some breaking news!
As we sit back and enjoy this little respite in the MLS Fantasy season, it’s a good time to look forward. Specifically, which players are going to be the ones to carry your squad for the final 14 rounds of the year?
I asked a handful of expert players in the MLS Fantasy universe a simple question: "Who's the best player to own going forward?"
Everyone came back with a different name -- and no one mentioned the league leaders in goals or assists. Here are those answers below, in addition to my selection.
Agree? Disagree? Surprised at any omissions? Let us know in the comments below.
Blerim Dzemaili - MID, Montreal Impact, $9.0
It’s got to be Montreal Impact midfielder Blerim Dzemaili. Since being added to the MLS Fantasy player pool in Round 12, Dzemaili has put up seven or more points in five of six rounds played. His average of nine fantasy points per game is tops amongst all players who have played more than 90 minutes, and at $9.0 he’s available at a nice discount compared to some of the other heavy hitters.
- Schuyler Redpath, former MLS Fantasy grand prize winner, MLSsoccer.com and RotoWire fantasy contributor.
Joevin Jones - DEF, Seattle Sounders FC, $5.3
Home is typically where we see the best point production and Seattle has nine of its remaining 15 games on home turf at CenturyLink Field. If I'm choosing a steady-eddie defender, I have to go with Joevin Jones. I'll admit it won't be your most exciting pick but he consistently brings in reasonable numbers that we all need.
- Anna Namshirin, manager of Reyna Terror, ranked 150 overall.
David Villa - FWD, New York City FC, $11.5
For me, it’s David Villa. While many players rely on others for their production, Villa has the ability to create chances and earn points on his own -- this skill has helped him score five of his 12 goals on the road. NYCFC has eight home games and three DGWs left in the season; Villa is a set-and-forget player for me.
- Reid Connelly, host of the MLS Fantasy Insider podcast, MLSsoccer.com fantasy contributor.
Roland Lamah - MID, FC Dallas, $8.2
This may shock people and I'm looking at a small sample size, but Roland Lamah is legit. He looks completely different now that Mauro Diaz is back. Lamah is currently priced at $8.2, making him significantly cheaper than premium options. Don't let the early "bust" declarations sway you -- he's going to be well worth the money going forward.
- Blayne Riffle, Editor/Writer at MLSFantasyBoss.com.
Diego Valeri - MID, Portland Timbers, $10.9
I think the best player to own going forward is Diego Valeri; he is the most consistent scorer in MLS Fantasy. His floor score is usually at least five points, even on the road, but he has the ability to nab 10 or more in any given week.
- Travis Luscombe, MLSsoccer.com fantasy contributor.
Miguel Almiron - MID, Atlanta United, $10.0
In my mind, it’s Miguel Almiron. Atlanta United also plays nine of its final 15 games at home, where they’ve posted a 6-2-0 record. With Josef Martinez healthy again and drawing the attention of the opponent’s center backs, there will be a lot of space for the Paraguayan All-Star to operate. I see Atlanta scoring 2+ goals per game through the rest of the season, with Almiron being the prime fantasy beneficiary.
- Andrew Winner, MLSsoccer.com fantasy contributor.
Stay Connected: To get all the latest Fantasy news and advice, download the MLS app and sign up for MLS Fantasy notifications. To sign up for notifications, select the main menu, then choose settings. Within the settings menu, select News & Videos notifications and turn on notifications for & "Fantasy Soccer."
