Reid, Mike, and Blayne are joined by Tim to review the penultimate round of the 2018 Fantasy season. They start the show by giving LAFC the credit they are due before moving into the revised format for round reviews and previews (feedback wanted on the new format). They have a great discussion about the value of D.C. United midfielders vs defenders and toss around ideas about how to integrate away players into your lineup...if you dare! It's the final DGW of the season so be sure to listen before games kickoff on Wednesday at 7:30 pm ET.
Round 33 was short, and a high fantasy score mostly depended on avoiding the Minnesota vs. Colorado trap and picking Carlos Vela as your captain. If you did, I hope you enjoyed your 54 fantasy points! If not, you can make up for those lost points now, as Week 34 is the last double-game week of 2018.
There are a lot of tempting possibilities this week, but a top score will depend on finding a balance between promising double-away and single-game week player. Below are some of my favorite options for Week 34.
Double-Game:D.C, United, Orlando City, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps
Bye Teams: None
Keepers
Bill Hamid has two home games this week with D.C. United | USA Today Sports Images
Home Stretch: D.C. United are close to sealing a playoff berth thought impossible a few short months ago. A part of this success is thanks to the return of Bill Hamid ($8.4), who has helped D.C. win close games and tripled the number of clean sheets this year. Hamid has a great shot at starting the round off with his 4th shutout of the season as we may see rotation in Toronto’s starting XI on Wednesday night (7:30 pm ET | TSN2 — Full TV & streaming info).
Road Wall: If you’d rather save your D.C. picks for the field, then consider Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei ($7.5). At first glance, a double-road gameweek may seem unfavorable, but the Sounders have the league’s top road defense and have won four of their last five road games. Two clean sheets is not out of the question. The Houston Dynamo will be missing key attacking players Sunday (5 pm ET | TV & streaming info) and Orlando enters Wednesday night (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) in a slump.
Defenders
Graham Zusi is a two-way threat from his outside back position, on a team that plays two games this week | USA Today Sports Images
Double Threat: If you’re looking for a defender who can generate points on both side of the field, start with SKC fullback Graham Zusi ($10.5). He’s averaging over seven points per game and has only scored less than four once thanks to his bonus point generation. His first game against a weakened Vancouver side is his best shot for a clean sheet, but he could see more success later if his current form holds against FC Dallas on Sunday (5 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
Value Option: If you can’t afford an expensive defender, then go with D.C. center back Frederic Brillant ($6.5). He’s the cheapest option if you want coverage for D.C.’s double-home games and has earned an average of eight points per game since working back into Ben Olsen's starting XI.
Midfielders
Despite Orlando's continuing slump, midfield talisman Sacha Kljestan could be a big fantasy producer this week | USA Today Sports Images
Underdog: If you want a differential player with more than one game this week, then consider Orlando playmaker Sacha Kljestan ($6.5). Yes the Lions are a longshot, but their final two home games could end in their favor. Seattle may be without key attackers on Wednesday night (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). And Columbus Crew SC is currently experiences its own dip in form entering a Sunday encounter (3 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Kljestan, on the other hand, is a player with a proven history for fantasy point generation and his low price makes him an ideal switcheroo.
Lineup Watch: This is the final week of the season for RSL, and many managers may be hoping that the pressure results in big fantasy scores. However, I am concerned that international call-ups and suspensions will hurt their chances against the New England Revolution on Thursday night (9 pm ET | TV & streaming info) and that on Sunday, Portland will hand out another blowout (5 pm ET | TV & streaming info). If you have more faith, Albert Rusnak ($11.8) is your best option for points, but watch for the roster on Thursday and have a backup plan.
Forwards
Target Man: Round 34 offers no shortage of quality forwards, and that means that most managers will likely use all three spots. It’s usually easy to fill the first two spots, so if you’re still looking for that third player, don’t forget about Kei Kamara ($11.5), who’s scored a goal or earned an assist in six of his last eight games. With several key players missing for Vancouver, Kamara will be the go-to man for the offense against both Sporting KC on Wednesday (10:00 pm ET | TSN — Full TV & streaming info) and LAFC.
SGW Option: If you’re looking for the ideal single-game week player for your front three, my top pick is LAFC maestro Carlos Vela ($13.1). His recent offensive success is likely to continue against Vancouver on Sunday (5:00 pm ET | TSN — Full TV & streaming info), but he earns my top spot mostly due to concerns I have with the other top two options. Sebastian Giovinco ($14.4): Will he play? I don’t know. Now that Toronto is out, I could see rotations. Josef Martinez ($12.6): A promising game against the Chicago Fire, but he could experience more defensive pressure without Almiron.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 34?
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