Arguably this time period is the hardest for fantasy managers. Nine teams are on a bye this week and the following week there are four teams on double games, two of those are currently on a bye. If that's not hard enough to plan, throw in a host of players on international duty to add to the brutality. No doubt some people will consider using their wildcard this week, but we advise against it. In our opinion, it’s a waste to use your wildcard to obtain players on only ten of the nineteen teams playing this week.
Will Johnson ($8.5m), Portland Timbers – Timbers are third in the Western Conference with a lot of the credit due to this man. Having Johnson in your lineup is a very smart play as it fulfills your depleted roster this round due to all the teams on byes and the following round he has a double game week. With his demand going up next week, getting him early will help protect from the price increase.
Andy O'Brien ($5.0m), Vancouver Whitecaps – Like Johnson, this is a planning pick as the Whitecaps have a double game week next round. The ‘Caps are coming off a very crucial win over a strong New York Red Bulls side. They head south to Seattle to face the Sounders who are off to the second best start in franchise history. While it's unsure what kind of team Seattle will dress with the amount of players out due to international week, injuries and suspensions. The one thing we are confident on, Mr. O'Brien netting us at least four fantasy points.
Team of the week (Round 15), New England Revolution – Fresh off the absolute dismantling of the LA Galaxy, the Revs at home face the worst team in the league in D.C. United. Ben Olsen’s D.C. team has scored a meager six goals through thirteen games this season, while New England has only conceded nine in the same amount of matches. A great numbers match up for New England defensively.
Bobby Shuttleworth ($5.1m) has had a very good season in net with the help of his defenders and for this week and perhaps next he's your guy. Keep in mind though that if you're looking for a keeper for the long haul wait until after Round 19, as 17 and 19 are bye weeks for the Revolution.
When Revolution’s defense is rolling the way it is, you might as well close your eyes when picking a defender, they're just that good. We prefer the bargain Stephen McCarthy ($4.8m) but if you've got spare money then easily take Jose Goncalves ($6.3m) who is very consistent with his bonuses.
Up top, teen sensation (and our captain) Diego Fagundez ($6.1m) is taking the MLS by storm. Scoring four goals in as many games and throwing in two assists versus the Galaxy, he's a lock for anyone's team.
That’s it for this week, as always good luck in Round 15 Fantasy Managers and let’s keep the Whitecaps Fantasy League one of the highest ranked in MLS!
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