In every championship game, all eyes are on the stars.
For the New York Atlas, it is Connor Shellenberger’s change of direction, Jeff Teat’s pinpoint accuracy and Trevor Baptiste’s dominance at the faceoff stripe. For the Denver Outlaws, it is Brennan O’Neill’s stroke from the outside, Pat Kavanagh’s ability to get under his defender and finish through contact, and Jared Bernhardt’s blazing speed when initiating.
But here is the thing: In championship games, the big names are always going to trade blows. It is heavyweights throwing haymakers. What really decides these games are the unsung heroes, the players who provide that extra spark to push their team over the top.
That’s why the spotlight should also shift to the players who thrive in the margins, the ones who don’t always grab the headlines but tilt the game when it matters most.
Start ’Em: Reid Bowering, M, Atlas (26 coins)
Every championship needs an unsung hero, and for the Atlas, Bowering has been that guy all season. While the spotlight shines on Shellenberger, Teat and Baptiste, Bowering has quietly been putting on a fantasy clinic. He has scored 31, 38 and 40 points in his last three games, proving he is more than just a role player – he is a difference maker.
At 26 coins, he is a tremendous value. I am not spending my boost on him – that is reserved for a star in the championship – but Bowering absolutely deserves respect. If the Atlas are going to finish the job and hoist the trophy, do not be surprised if it is Bowering who provides the spark that pushes them over the top.
Start ’Em: Logan McNaney, G, Outlaws (42 coins, 53 with boost)
McNaney has played in what feels like a million championship games. He was the backbone of those Maryland Terrapins teams, and now he has carried that same poise, hand speed and confidence to the pro level, leading the Outlaws all the way to the title game.
McNaney is by no means underrated. Everyone knows how good he is. But as a rookie who did not even start the first two games of the season, I will admit I did not think he had the talent and composure to will the Outlaws to a championship. He has proven me wrong. With all that championship experience under his belt, I am locking him in this weekend and using my boost. He will cost 53 coins boosted, and I think he is worth every one.
I wasn’t planning to, but maybe it’s time to drop one final Sit ’Em of the season:
Sit ’Em: Brennan O’Neill, A, Outlaws (44 coins)
O’Neill absolutely snapped in the semifinals, showing exactly why he’s an MVP finalist. He is a force of nature, and I want nothing more than to see him raise the trophy. After listening to his interview on The Mitchell Pelke Lacrosse Show, I am genuinely rooting for him.
Yes, he already won a championship with Team USA, but context matters. He was the youngest guy on that roster, playing midfield, not the star attackman and focal point of the defense. Now, with all eyes on him and defenders throwing everything his way, he hasn’t yet gotten it done at Duke or in the PLL. Until he proves he can deliver on this stage as the guy, I cannot trust him in my lineup. At 44 coins, I am sitting him in the championship.
At the end of the day, championships are about more than just stars. They’re about the players who step up in the biggest moments, whether it is a breakout midfielder or a poised rookie goalie. That is what swings fantasy matchups and decides titles. Buckle up, because this Atlas vs. Outlaws final has all the makings of an instant classic.
