I think surprise sums up Week 6 very well. We started with the New England clean sheet, the Atlanta blowout, a bunch of frustrating draws in the middle, and wrapped it up with an Orlando win and a Zlatan shutout.
While Week 7 may not have another five-goal blowout, I think a lot of the matches create point-earning opportunities fantasy managers could exploit. Diversity could be the key to success this week, but don’t get too crazy and overlook the New York City FC double-game week (DGW).
Here are some of the players who I think have a shot a big points in Week 7.
Goalkeepers
Keeperoo Option: Sometimes you get what you pay for and that’s exactly why New York City FC’s Sean Johnson ($8.0) is worth his high price tag. For this money you get a keeper who plays behind one of the best defenses in MLS and the only DGW keeper option of the Round. His chances for at least one clean sheet are good as Real Salt Lake (Wednesday, 7 pm ET | Full TV & Streaming Info) has struggled to put up impressive numbers on the road.
Single-Game Week Options: If you’d rather not take the DGW risk, or invest so much money in a single keeper, then consider a pairing of Portland’sJake Gleeson ($4.0) and Sporting’sTim Melia ($5.3). Gleeson is untested at home, but faces an easier opponent in Minnesota (Saturday, 10:30 pm ET | Full TV & Streaming Info). Melia’s game against Seattle (Sunday, 4 pm ET | ESPN - Full TV & Streaming Info) is a little tougher, but the Sounders came up scoreless in their last road game and SKC is starting to gel at the back.
Defenders
Milton Valenzuela is a good defensive play even on the road, for a unit that has conceded only once away from home this season. | USA Today Images
Bench Hero: If you’re looking for a low-cost defender who excels at late-game heroics, then grab Vancouver’sBrek Shea ($5.3) as a bench autoroo. He’s scored three goals from the bench this season, including one in each of his last two games. His luck will be put to the test this week, but LAFC (Saturday, 10 pm ET | TSN - Full TV & Streaming Info) has a tendency to allow goals late in a game and that’s when Shea is at his best.
Road Option: There are a lot of solid home defenders this week, but if you’re willing to take the risk on an away player, then Milton Valenzuela ($7.3 ) is one to consider. Crew SC have played three games on the road this season and they have only allowed one goal. This week they face D.C. United (Saturday, 7 pm ET | Full TV & Streaming Info), a team that has struggled to generate a lot of offensive production. That could turn into a big point total for Valenzuela.
Midfielders
Back in Form: Since the start of the season Diego Valeri ($9.0) has lost $2.0 worth of fantasy value but he could soon be on the rise after scoring in two consecutive games. This 2017-esque form has come just in time for Portland’s game against Minnesota, who have allowed seven goals over three away games. There should be Timbers goals in this game, and Valeri has the best chance to be part of them.
Power House: With a great looking DGW series and news of an A+ lineup, every fantasy manager should have at least one NYCFC midfielder this week. The only decision left is if you want an offensive or defensive player. For the attack, stick with Maxi Moralez ($11.3). He has three goals and one assist in five games and should link up well with the reuniting Villa. If you’d rather go for the dependable D-mid bonus points, grab Yangel Herrera ($8.5). He’s easy on the budget and should net 8-10 points over the two games.
Forwards
Colorado's Dominique Badji, middle, is still affordable despite hitting a hat trick against the Philadelphia Union two weeks ago. | USA Today Images
CCL Revenge: With the latest round of CCL games finishing just a few days ago, Colorado will be eager to get some revenge against Toronto FC (Saturday, 3 pm ET | CTV, TSN - Full TV & Streaming Info) and Dominique Badji ($8.6) could be the player who makes it happen. He’s scored a goal or earned an assist in each of his last three games and is easy on the budget if you decide to splurge on high cost midfielders.
Head-to-Head: If you’d rather not take the risk on a cheaper player, drop your extra cash in a couple of the big name forwards. David Villa ($11.3), and Josef Martinez ($12.0) are my two favorites because of their history of home game success. And you have to love the opportunity of Villa getting a shot at double goals with his DGW.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Week 7?
FOR MORE fantasy advice, be sure to check out the articles and charts posted at MLSFantasyBoss.com.
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."
