DiffeRANCHals: 2025 Round 26

 

 

 

 

Every week, we’ll go over our suggestions from last week, and determine if they were a good or bad pick based on position and points. To describe in detail the ranking system, here is the metric: bust = 3 or fewer points (or did not play), average = 4-5 points, good = 6-8 points, great = 9+ points. Double gameweeks (DGWs) are scored as follows: bust = 6 or fewer points (or not starting/on the bench), average = 7-9 points, good = 10-12 points and great = 13+ points. Players not available for selection are disregarded and not counted as either a positive or a negative in the article.

Week 25 Results: 

Matt:

• Justin Glad- Average (4 points)
• Alexey Miranchuk- Average (4 points)
• Wilfred Zaha – Average (4 points) 

Ranch:

• Ronald Hernandez- Good (7 points)
• Joseph Paintsil – Bust (1 point) 
• Hugo Cuypers – Bust (2 points)

Meg:

• Marcelo Weigandt- Bust (2 points) 
• Ashley Westwood- Bust (3 points)
• Sam Surridge – Great! (13 points) 

Matt Results: 8 Great, 15 Good, 15 Average, 28 Bust (58%)

Ranch Results: 13 Great, 20 Good, 6 Average, 29 Bust (58%)

Meg Results: 8 Great, 5 Good, 5 Average, 20 Busts (48%)

2025 Full Season Results: 29 Great, 40 Good, 26 Average, 77 Busts (55%)

 

Welcome back to diffeRANCHals! It feels like it is time for everyone to pop off for the article. At least 1 week this season we need to make it happen. Let’s get into it!

Matt: Michael Boxall, $7.9m (Defender – Minnesota)

The Portland Timbers have been less than inspiring since their crash out of the Leagues Cup, and I really think Minnesota have a good shout at a CS here. While some attacking options might be targeted in chalkier teams, I have a deep love for what Michael Boxall brings to the table. Not only is he a presence in the box for set pieces, but he also is the king of the long throw that has created chaos across the board for MLS teams. I like him a lot this week and it could be a really smart play to pair him with an attacking defender like Rosales.

Ranch: Noah Eile, $8.0m (Defender – NYRB)

One of the highest scoring last 3 average scores is Noah Eile. He has an average of 5 points with passing bonus in every game and a cleansheet mixed in. Eile and NYRB are in an interesting position where they will be hosting a CLB team who is trying to figure out how to fit their DP forward (WAA) into the lineup. If the Red Bulls fan find a way to disrupt that, I can see a clean sheet happening. 

Meg: Guilherme Biro, $8.2m (Defender – Austin FC)

Further down in the article you’ll see Matt talk about how this home matchup vs SJ is one we should pay a little more attention too. SJ on the road has been a bit of a hit or miss as far as their ability to score goals and traveling to Austin to square up with their typically stout defense means we probably should consider taking a few defenders. Biro tends to help just as much as moving the ball into the attack as he does holding a defensive stance, which is why he is my choice to take a chance on. 

Ranch: Jackson Hopkins, $4.1m (Midfielder – DCU)

Another week with a true diffeRANCHal. Jackson Hopkins is on a mini scoring streak, with back to back games. At a mere $4.1m and 0.16% ownership, he is the 10th highest last 3 averages in points for teams playing this week. That is something keep an eye on considering DCU hasn’t been the team most managers look towards. Can he continue his streak against NYC? Only time will tell. 

Meg: Ignatius Ganago , $7.4m (Midfielder – New England)

I know everyone is at least considering Gil which makes Ganago the differential in the NE midfield! He is coming back from injury and last week got back into the groove of scoring goals. This week they are at home vs Charlotte and although Charlotte has been pretty solid defensively, they aren’t as solid when on the road. I think NE will have more of their cohesiveness back this week and should be able to wreck a little havoc on Kahlina and crew! 

Matt: Myrto Uzuni, $8.5m (Midfield – Austin)

In a matchweek with tasty home matchups for NYCFC and Nashville, Austin’s match against San Jose could easily fall under the radar. Since Brandon Vazquez’ injury, Uzuni has taken the reins of Austin’s attack and has become much more fantasy relevant, picking up 5 goal involvements in the past 5 games. I see Austin scoring multiple goals against this struggling San Jose backline and Uzuni should be involved somehow.

Meg: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, $11.9m (Forward –NY Redbulls)

NYRB are a hot mess, If I’m being honest however when they are at home they seem to find their form and produce goals. This week Columbus is coming to town and they have only managed two CS on the season which means this is a perfect week to take a gamble on ECM. Surely things will shift and the Redbulls will find a way to score a few on Shulte. Considering this is a game in the early slate, it presents itself as a wonderful bench punt! 

Matt: Kelvin Yeboah, $9.2m (Forward – Minnesota)

I’m dipping back into Minnesota for my last pick. Like I said above, the Timbers are far from inspiring right now, and with Tani Oluwaseyi off to Villareal, Yeboah needs to cement himself as the guy for Minnesota again. I really expect Minnesota to score a few goals so Yeboah should get his chances this week to be that difference maker. I expect a few KPs and potential for a goal involvement or two.

Ranch: Chucky Lozano, $12.1m (Forward – San Diego)

It may seem odd to consider a player like Lozano a differential, but he isn’t being looked at as much as other forwards this week. Lozano and Dreyer have helped boost SDFC to the #1 spot in the Western Conference. He also continues to take BPs away from Dreyer. Are you feeling Dreyer fatigue? Maybe pick Lozano to make up for it.

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Contributors: 
Tyler Norman, @Ranchinator on Discord
Matt Nelson, @Tinkerman on Discord
Megan Lee Turner, @Meg on Discord