Round 14 DiffeRANCHals

Every week, I’m going to go over my 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 not starting), average = 4-5 points, good = 6-8 points, great = 9+ points. 

• Alex Roldan – Good (6 points)
• Ryan Hollingshead – Great! (10 points)
• Paul Arriola – Great! (14 points AND Dream Team!)
• Chris Mueller – Good (6 points)
• Luiz Araujo – Good (6 points)
• Chicharito – Good (8 points with a missed penalty)

 

Week 13 Final Results: 4 Goods, 2 Greats

Full Season Results: 10 Great, 14 Goods, 8 Average, 42 Busts

I don’t know how I’m ever going to top a week of differentials like that. 4 goods and 2 greats is a “once-in-a-season” type of performance. Don’t be surprised if I fall back down to earth with this mini-DGW. However, I do think there will still be some good picks mixed in. Let’s get into it!

Ranko Veselinovic, $7.5m (Vancouver Defender)

Veselinovic has been a bonus point center back that is also a goal threat going forward. Not only is he averaging 5.0 points currently, but he also scored a goal during the international break. This was off of a long throw-in, which makes me think that he can get on the inside of either a Seattle or Dallas defender during a set piece and nod another home. I wouldn’t expect a clean sheet in either of Vancouver’s road games, but Ranko very well could finish with 10+ points through 2 games still. 

Eric Miller, $6.5m or Jack Maher, $6.5m (Nashville Defender)

Eric Miller is the defender that has been filling in on the wing for Nashville. This may change to Jack Maher depending on how Gary Smith decides to line up on Sunday versus Kansas City. Nashville is a good fallback defense to use if your bench misses and you need another player to slot in. Zimmerman will be the popular choice, with the other guys being less popular but still produce points. Dave Romney is also an amazing choice if you prefer a centerback!

Junior Urso, $6.9m (Orlando Mid)

Another DGW player on this list. If you arent picking at least 6 DGW players this week, you should take another look at your team and reconstruct it. Junior Urso is a holding mid that has been involved in the attack for Orlando quite heavily. They start off in New England, where Matt Turner may be missing, then travel home to host Houston. Both matchups favor a holding mid, especially one that can provide goals or assists. 

Jordy Alcivar, $5.1m or Ben Bender, $5.7m (Charlotte Mid)

The main thought when looking at Alcivar isn’t his skill, points average, or goals/assists. Rather, I am looking at the broken Columbus team and decided that a Charlotte mid can carve them open. Columbus is expected to be missing Zelarayan, Pedro Santos, Jonathan Mensah, Yeboah, and possibly Etienne Jr. That’s most of the midfield and 2 defenders missing. Alcivar has a good chance at providing an assist due to being on the ball during open play and having set pieces. Ben Bender, on the other hand, has been the player taking shots. With the new coach and potential rotation, one or both of these guys could be rotated. So keep a close eye on lineups!

Kascper Przybylko, $7.1m (Chicago Forward)

Our friendly neighbor ghost, Kascper, scored a goal last week in Toronto. This week, Chicago hosts a DC United team that has been allowing an average of 1.6 goals against per game. Przybylko is a good candidate to get on the scoresheet with his skill in front of net. 

Patryk Klimala, $7.5m (NYRB Forward)

This feels like a revival story for Klimala. He finally figured out how to put a goal in the back of the net. Does that mean the flood gates have opened? Tune in on Saturday to find out when the Red Bulls host Toronto!

 

Honorable Mentions:

• Robin Jansson, $8.4m (Orlando Defender)
• Robert Taylor, $6.2m (Miami Mid)
• Romell Quioto, $8.2m (MTL Forward)
• Mikel Uhre, $7.3m (PHI Forward)