KFC’s Fantasy MLS Defender picks – Week 13

Got a couple of positive reviews about the more free form/stream of conscience format from last week, so I’m going to give it a shot again for this week. Input is always welcome.

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! We also just rolled out a new forum layout!

There are a lot of frustrating things going on with defenders right now. Several have hit the five yellow card mark and will be out this week, others are prepping for international duty, and still a few more are becoming questionable starters. All of this can easily throw a wrench in your fantasy plans so it’s important to stay on top…and I hope this helps some.

Defenders

The best news this week is that Aurélien Collin is coming back after missing last week’s game due to yellow card accumulation. For managers who still have him, he’s an easy choice to start with his home rematch against Houston. I have hope for a nice point total in this one. Since we’re already on the topic of obvious defender choices, I’ll also just point out that Matt Hedges and Michel Garbini Pereira are two more easy choices, even if they are playing San Jose. Just remember, DAL has a bye in week 15. Personally I decided to keep Hedges as I was prepping for week 15, but I may regret that since Michel gets those juicy attacking points, but both are solid. The last name to mention is Omar Gonzalez. I don’t think he’s a great pickup this week, but many people have him. Why do I say this? Well he has USMNT duty just around the corner and will be missing a few games.

There are three other players who came to my mind when making a short list for defenders, but I don’t thing think quite qualify for the “obvious choice” label (though I’m sure several will disagree): Jamison Olave, Jose Goncalves, and Josh Williams. Olave had a little point drop when he got injured a few weeks ago, but his last game retuned some nice points, and with two more home games before the week 15 bye, I really like his chances for more. Goncalves is also just starting a run of home games for New England. While they may not be as strong as New York, they have a week 15 games and three of the next 4 look promising (TOR, LA, DC, van), he definitely someone I want on my team soon (oh wait, I got him this week). Finally, Williams is the lowest scoring of these three but he’s a good goal threat and Columbus has a week 15 game. Their schedule is a bit rough, so think hard before buying him.

OK, that’s enough of the players that I’m sure a lot of you already have. Here’s the meat and potatoes. Jeff Parke has manages to stay owned by 17% of managers without player the last 3.5 games, impressive. Three weeks should be enough time for a hamstring recovery and we think he’s going to be back soon. He’s under $5m and has a game in week 15. This could be the time to invent in him again.

For those of you who are worried about Gonzalez leaving for USMNT duty, but still want LA defensive coverage (can’t blame you I do too) Todd Dunivant is out pick. I know that Dunivant’s numbers are low and that he has needed clean sheets to rack up up big score, but he’s a pick more for the LA schedule and he’s under $5m. LA has a nice run of games coming up AND they have one in week 15. Dunivant is solid and we think he’ll be more important with Gonzalez gone like at the start of the season.

Finally, it’s FINALLY time to start thinking about Montreal players again. It’s been so frustrating seeing all those bye weeks due to the Canadian tournament. But they don’t have many left so it should be easier to work around them (just week 15 and 17). You have a choice of two players here: Jeb Brovsky and Hassoun Camara. Brovsky is the one I prefer just because he is a great value at under $5. Camara has higher defensive numbers, but also costs $0.6 more. Both are great options and it just depends on your budget.

If you’re looking for a more differential choice, I have couple for you and both are from Seattle. Let’s be honest, Seattle has been hot recently so having some coverage might be something you should think about: Djimi Traore and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado. Traore is $5.6 and owned by 3.2% of managers. It’s been a lack of clean sheets that have hurt his point total the most, but with one, 8-9 points looks easily possible. Hurtado is cheaper at $4.8 and slightly more popular with 4.8% ownership. No clean sheets have also reduced Hurtado’s point totals but he seems quite capable of numbers similar to Traore. The only difference is that Traore has scored a goal. Either one should provide a nice chance for some differential points or they have a game in wee k15.

Finally, I want to mention Rodney Wallace and Chris Schuler. Wallace will be leaving for international duty soon and Schuler is not a risk of not starting. If you have either of these guys on your team, take a look at transferring them out for some more reliable points (sorry Schuler lovers, I know he’s been great for bonus points).

Final thoughts

• Check your roster for international duty players.

• A few popular players are worth keeping for Week 15.

• There are several players under $5.m that are worth having.

• Blasted yellow card rule!

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!