KFC’s Fantasy MLS Defender picks – Week 17

Here are our defender picks for week 17.

If you want to see more, keep reading after the break. But please join the discussion at r/FantasyMLS, that’s where a lot of planning is made and last second decisions finalized. If you have questions, please stop by!

You can expect to see many of the big names returning this week, but the question you should be asking is who can you pass? Several teams have a rough set of bye weeks over the net 3 weeks that could see some popular loosing some value and making then easier to add later. Also, don’t forget that Jamison Olave will not play in week 17’s game due to a Red Card.

Defenders

I’ll touch on the players who might be cheaper is just a moment. First I’m going to point out some attacking defenders that are worth taking a look at this week. Besides goals, the big advantage an attacking defender (or one that is out of position) has is an easier path to bonus points. It’s much easier to get a bonus point from crosses and key passes than from defensive actions. You can go all out if you like, but a more balanced approach might work better. But if you are looking for some goal threats, here are our favorites this week.

At the top of everyone’s list should be Michel Garbini Pereira. He’s a great playmaker for Dallas and one of the best in the league (IMO). He is expensive, but worth it. Next is Nathan Sturgis from Colorado. He’s another OOP player who is also on some great form. Colorado has been enjoying better form in general recently and when it comes to goals, Sturgis has racked up 3 in the last 4 games. Finally, Aurélien Collin is another obvious choice (especially if you have had him on your bench). He’s not OOP but he’s a big presence on set plays and gets defensive bonus points.

I know some people might be saying, “What about Rodney Wallace?” Simple, you might be able to get something out of him this week, but Portland has a bye in week 18 and 19. You should expect him to get traded and his price could come down. This means you might be able to pick him up later at a lower price (and have advantage of his skill longer). A few other guys fall into this category for us. Jose Goncalves (or any other NE defender) has a bye in 17 and a bye in 19. They do play Chivas in between but it might be best to wait. Djimi Traore is the final one we are saying hold for. Seattle has a tough game this week and then a bye in week 18. It gets better after that though.

Finally, I’ll wrap up with a couple of other “normal” defenders that you can consider for next week. If you ignore the 9 goals that slipped by, Sean Franklin has had some decent games (at least he got points). Gonzalesz is essential for the LA defense and now that they have him back, Franklin is a relatively cheap and consistent way into their squad. Finally, Taylor Jermaine looks like he’s fit again and we love a big center back. Their game against Montreal did not go so well, but home to Toronto should be a different story.

Final thoughts

• Columbus has options, but they are hurting

• Watch your bye weeks so you don’t’ get caught with fewer than 11 players

That’s all I got. I’d love to hear your feedback, plans, and insights.

These are our picks, if you think there should be more names on this list, please leave a comment or come to r/FantasyMLS and comment on the post. You can also leave a message on our Facebook page or you can find us on Twitter @FantasyMLSTips. Keep checking back for more updates through the week for other positions. Good Luck!