1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic LA at MIN, v. RSL 13.2 Both Minnesota and RSL are in the bottom third of goals allowed and expected goals allowed per game. Minnesota will likely be without Opara, Calvo, and Gregus. Zlatan's xG per match is significantly higher than Carlos Vela's (thanks in part to four penalty kicks).

2 Carlos Darwin Quintero MIN v. LA, v. DCU 12.4 For me, Quintero is the only challenger to Zlatan for top forward this week. He also takes penalties, both of his matches are at home, and Minnesota have found themselves in shootouts lately.

3 Angelo Rodriguez MIN v. LA, v. DCU 8.2 It's always wise to diversify your fantasy player portfolio, but Angelo's recent performances are really making me consider two Minnesota forwards.

4 Heber Araujo dos Santos NYC v. CHI, v. ORL 7.8 Heber's presence in the NYCFC attack has been a game changer already. He'll need help from his teammates - as I'm not sure he's a player who can singlehandedly shred defenses - but few MLS players are. With Mitrita ailing, Tajouri-Shradi questionable, and Dome Torrent constantly tinkering with the lineup, Heber is not the surest bet this week but he's an incredible value with a high ceiling.

5 Wayne Rooney DCU at CLB, at MIN 10.7 These two road games don't come at a good time for a struggling DC United side that look a little tired. Rooney actually finds himself as a somewhat of an under-the-radar play this week and I think it could work out. The cap hit might be a bit too stiff for me to squeeze him in, though.

6 Jordan Morris SEA v. SJ, v. LAFC 7.9 With Ruidiaz and Will Bruin both on the mend, it looks like Morris may be the central forward against a San Jose team that is improved but still defensively suspect. Morris hasn't been delivering the points but he's intriguing at the least here with two home fixtures.

7 Nemanja Nikolic CHI at NYC, at MTL 8.7

8 Gyasi Zardes CLB v. DCU, at HOU 8.8 I might be a little lower on him than most this week, but neither of Zardes' matches strike me as great opportunities and he is a very one-dimensional fantasy player. Combinations with more upside AND more safety can be found elsewhere this week.

9 Danny Hoesen SJ at SEA, at DAL 6.9 His recent goals have shown what he and the Earthquakes can do on the counter, which just so happens to be exactly how San Jose will probably have to attack in these road games. I'm staying away given the other options, but the price is cheap and the player is quality.

10 Maximiliano Urruti MTL at NE, v. CHI 7.4

11 Valentin Castellanos NYC v. CHI, v. ORL 7.2 After resting a match due to a concussion, Taty could reprise his starring role from the Minnesota match. He'll make for an enticing option for a bench spot if he starts on Wednesday.

12 C.J. Sapong CHI at NYC, at MTL 8.9

13 Cristian Espinoza SJ at SEA, at DAL 8.9 Two road games and a lack of bonus points from a winger make Espinoza a shaky fantasy bet for me. He's good, but maybe not 'third forward for a double game week' good.

14 Carlos Vela LAFC at SEA 14.3 You might think that Vela is squarely in play despite just one match, but even his high 11.44 pt average wouldn't automatically surpass two games from a mid-level forward like C.J. Sapong who is averaging 6.43. Take your chances with a player who could play 150+ minutes instead of an expensive Vela.

15 Cristian Penilla NE v. MTL, at SKC 7.0 Brad Friedel, the mad sad scientist, hasn't consistently handed consecutive starts to Penilla even once this year. Why would we expect him to properly utilize his best player now?

16 Romario Ibarra MIN v. LA, v. DCU 7.5 Better fixtures than the middling DGW forwards below here. Probably will see 90-120 minutes.

17 Juan Caicedo NE v. MTL, at SKC 6.3

18 Harry Novillo MTL at NE, v. CHI 7.7

19 Josef Martinez ATL v. COL 9.5 Nemeth and Elis stand out as other good single game week options, if necessary. Jesus Fereira is cheap and on quite the hot streak as well.