We’re finally here. Round 11. The first big double-game week of the 2018 season. If you’re new to the MLS Fantasy game, you’re in for a treat as players will put up monster scores.
But this fantasy point bonanza does not come without a price. Double-game weeks are also a time filled with many player rotations. If you’re able to avoid unexpected changes, you should see one of your highest scores of the season and I believe several of the players below will help you do just that.
Teams on a bye: None
Double-game week teams:Atlanta United, Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire, Montreal Impact, Los Angeles FC, and Minnesota United
Goalkeepers
Early Bird: If you want to utilize a DGW keeper as a Keeperoo this week and don’t want to set multiple reminders on your phone, then take Montreal’s Evan Bush ($8.4). Even with only two clean sheets for the season, Bush sits at the top of the keeper scoreboard. His tougher match will be the Wednesday away trip to Chicago (8:30 pm ET | TVAS — Full TV & streaming info) but a good score is possible as the Fire have not been as offensively dangerous as in 2017. The home match against Philadelphia Saturday (3 pm ET | CTV — Full TV & streaming info) offers a great shot for a clean sheet as the Union have yet to score on the road this year.
Homer: The home field advantage is very real. If you want to take advantage of these odds, then Zack Steffen ($5.9) is my top pick. Columbus has had some rough luck at the start of this season, but Steffen has 3 clean sheets on the year, a value price, faces the same struggling attacks in Philadelphia on Wednesday (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) and Chicago on Saturday (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info), and is one of two teams playing two home game this round.
Defenders
Nicolas Hasler, right, could be a good choice this week given Toronto's injury situation. | USA Today Sports Images
Top Producer: Last week I was high on attacking defenders. This week I like the traditional big center backs due to multiple chances for bonus points, and none produce better than Victor Cabrera ($8.7). He leads the league in almost every defensive bonus point producing stat and would be a Top 5 point producer if not for his red card in Week 8. I expect him to shine most during Montreal’s home game against Philadelphia on Saturday.
Value Pick: If you need a value defender to help stretch your offensive budget, then look to Toronto FC. Their CCL run left several of their defenders on the injury recovery list, and most replacements have a sub-$5 million price. My favorite is Nicolas Hasler ($4.8) because he’s been playing out of position in midfield, but keep an eye on their roster before their home game against Seattle Wednesday (7:30 pm ET | TSN, FS1 — Full TV & streaming info) to know for sure.
Midfielders
Proven Points: While home games tend to produce the most fantasy points, I think Atlanta’s road game against Orlando on Saturday (6 pm ET | FS1, TSN — Full TV & streaming info) has the better chance for big numbers. While the Lions have been generating a dangerous attack, they have also been letting in goals, and that’s the perfect reason to add Miguel Almiron ($13.8) to your team. He has a big price tag but it makes sense with five goals and three assists over his past five games. Definite captain material here.
Slow and Steady: If you’re worried about rotations and would rather play it safe with a defensive midfielder, my top pick is Toronto’s Michael Bradley ($9.6). He’s been the textbook example of consistency this year as he’s yet to score fewer than five points and scored eight in his past two rounds. If he keeps starting at center back, he’ll keep generating bonus points and could see his highest total during Toronto’s road game against New England on Saturday (7:30 pm ET | TSN — Full TV & streaming info).
Forwards
Atlanta's Josef Martinez is almost always a good fantasy play, and this week is no different. | USA Today Sports Images
The Big 3: There is little reason to get fancy with your forwards this week. You’ll want to focus on the proven producers and the players more likely to play 140+ minutes. So, build your attack around at least two of: Josef Martinez ($10), Sebastian Giovinco ($9.5), and Carlos Vela ($13.1). With two games this week, it would not surprise me if each scored at least two goals each.
Roll the Dice: If you don’t have quite enough funds for the players above, then consider a value option like Columbus’ Gyasi Zardes ($7.8). He’s only scored one goal over his last three games, but his double home schedule against Chicago and Philadelphia will give him plenty of chances to improve his record. However, I’d stick him on your bench and use him as an autoroo option.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 11?
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