2015 Early Forward Picks

This is the final early picks article before the start of the 2015 MLS Fantasy Manager season. If you missed any of the previous positions, be sure to check out my Keeper, Defender, and Midfielder articles. Also, no preseason prep would be complete without also taking a look at my, and the other, articles at MLS Soccer or listening to the MLSFI Fantasy Roundtable podcast!

Much like midfielders, this is another position where you can open the flood gates of cash that you have been hoarding from all of the value players you have already picked. Unlike midfielders, the pool of players to consider is much smaller and many of them are the big names that many people already know. So who is the best for the start of the season?

Thoroughbreds

In the highest bracket, it’s easy to pick my top three players: Robbie Keane (LA $11.0), Obafemi Martins (Sea $11.0) and Federico Higuain (CLB $10.5). All of these players are on great teams, have a lot of potential, and have a proven fantasy record. Seattle and Columbus both have bye weeks to deal with, so you’ll need to have a plan in place to deal with that as they approach. A close 4th is Dominic Dwyer (SKC $10.5) and if you’re considering him you’re a braver manager than I. Don’t get me wring, he has lots of skill and had a great 2014, but I’m just not a fan of his opening schedule.

Easy on the Budget

If $10m+ is too rich for your blood, there are a lot of forwards who are very easy on the budget and will be easy to swap during bye weeks. Kei Kamara (CLB $8.0) is back in MLS and has had a promising preseason, definitely worth considering leading into the Columbus Round 6 DGW. The Philadelphia duo or Andrew Wenger ($7.5) and Fernando Aristeguieta ($7.5) have both been scoring over the preseason and start with a promising game against Colorado. But exactly who should you pick? Well that discussion is still going on. You could also even consider Deshorn Brown (COL $7.5). Colorado looks to have a rough season ahead of it, but they have turned things around before and Brown has always been a standout player.

Something New

There have also been a slew of new forwards enter the league this year and some of them are worth taking a risk on, but that decision will ultimately be up to you. The biggest name of the bunch is David Villa (NYC $10.0). Personally, I think NYC’s schedule is only average and would like to see more before going with him, but many people have high praise. It hurts me to say it, but Jozy Altidore (TOR $9.5) is one to stay away from right now. He’ll need time to mesh with his team, build his confidence, and get past the series of away games before becoming a good option. While I have reservations about the first two players, Octavio Rivero (VAN $8.5) is one that I have high hopes for. He’s playing for an up-and-coming team, has several teammates that are capable of providing good service, and has already racked up a few goals during preseason. Finally, I want to mention Bryan Rochez (OLC $7.0). How often do you see the words cheap, starting, and DP in the same sentence? Well that’s what you have with Rochez and if you’re looking for a budget forward, he’s your guy.

These are the 2015 early forward picks that stand out to me, is there anyone you think should be added to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below, by posting on /r/FantasyMLS, or send a tweet to @MLSFantasyBoss. Also, don’t forget to join in on the FREE live MLS Fantasy chat her at MLS Fantasy Boss!