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TD Ierlan, Faceoff, California Redwoods (Game 1; 32 Coins)

Coming off his first sub-50% performance of the season, Ierlan was still able to put up the third-most fantasy points out of all faceoff specialists last weekend. 

Fairfield weekend as a whole was not kind to faceoff specialists when it came to fantasy. Trevor Baptiste was the lone player in the position group to put up more than 20 fantasy points. 

Ierlan will be matched up against Nick Rowlett and the Carolina Chaos in the Redwoods’ first of two games this weekend. The last time the two matched up, Ierlan finished with 28.8 fantasy points in a California loss. 

Rowlett’s 40.3% win percentage this season ranks last among faceoff specialists, while Ierlan’s 62.8% is third behind Joe Nardella and Baptiste. 

Dillon Ward, Goalie, Philadelphia Waterdogs (32 coins)

Despite the Waterdogs falling to 1-5 on the season, Ward finished with 24 fantasy points in last Friday’s loss to the Denver Outlaws. 

I’m a firm believer in the concept of the “bargain netminder.” Take the least expensive goalie on the market, and he will produce just as much value as the most expensive. 

Last weekend, for example, Owen McElroy was the least expensive goalie at 29 salary coins, and he produced 26 more fantasy points than Brett Dobson, who cost 43 salary coins. 

Ward averages 27.8 fantasy points each week. He’s a trustworthy goalie regardless of his salary cap number. 

Jake Stevens, Midfield, New York Atlas (12 Coins)

The rookie midfielder has scored five goals in just three games played this season. Stevens has helped add an extra layer to the Atlas midfield that gives the offense another scoring weapon. 

After Jeff Teat, Xander Dickson, and Connor Shellenberger scored a combined 17 fantasy points in last week’s loss to the Boston Cannons, the Atlas might look to start initiating through their midfield more if the attack becomes stagnant. 

Stevens is a great initiator on the wing and an underrated finisher on the crease. He’s a Swiss Army Knife and can be used wherever he is needed. 

Sit

Zed Williams, Attack, Maryland Whipsnakes (36 coins)

Though Williams scored three goals in last week’s overtime loss to Carolina, he also turned the ball over three times, which diminished his potential fantasy output. He finished with 26 fantasy points.

With his shooting percentage on the rise and his ability to score with fewer touches than normal, Williams will start attracting defenses to send double teams and slides early, potentially making his fantasy stock fall in the upcoming games.

I think it’s too risky to throw your coins into Williams now. 

Blaze Riorden, Goalie, Carolina Chaos (45 Coins)

Yes, Riorden did have the best performance out of any goaltender in Fairfield with 48 fantasy points, but in no way is it feasible to use the majority of your salary cap on him.

With how the market goes for goalies, the best option generally is to take the less expensive goalie regardless of the projections. 

Even though Riorden’s ROI was above 1.0 points per coin as the second-most expensive goalie, it is better to use coins on players like midfielders and attackmen. 

Tyler Carpenter, LSM, New York Atlas (17 coins)

Ever since Carpenter’s lightning-hot start to the season, he has cooled down tremendously. 

Over the past two games, Carpenter has totaled just four fantasy points. What has limited Carpenter is that he is not causing as many turnovers (one total over the last two games) as he was at the start of the season.

In last week’s loss to the Cannons, Carpenter tallied zero caused turnovers, zero scoring points and just one ground ball.

I would spend the money on a defender like Matt Dunn or go cheaper with a player like Ajax Zappitello.