Welcome to Round 18 of Fantasy NWSL! As usual, we are here to answer all of your team selection questions through the magic of statistics. This week, we are taking a look at the players trending upward in FNWSL, specifically those players who have increased their average weekly fantasy points the most over the last four rounds.
Round 18 Match Overview:
Round 18 is a double round for two teams: Chicago and Kansas City. The two Midwest rivals meet in a crucial game Wednesday evening at SeatGeek Stadium and then both play a second game over the weekend. Therefore, take an extra look at any Red Stars or Current(s?) that you may be considering this week in order to take advantage of the double round.
Ok, now I’m distracted – what is the singular of Current? Currenter? Currant? KC fans, can you help me out?!
Anyway, all other NWSL teams play a single game in this round, though North Carolina and Angel City also play a Round 11 make-up game Wednesday evening. This may limit minutes for some NC and AC players for their weekend Round 18 games. These matches include what is arguably the game of the week between Southern California expansion rivals Angel City and San Diego, or as I like to call it, “El SoCalasico.”
Individual Stats and Team of the Week:
While FNWSL superstars like Alex Morgan and Mallory Pugh have continued to put up stellar fantasy numbers in the second half of the season, many lesser-known players have also come into their own and started to rack up the points over the last month or so. In addition to these players being less expensive in FNWSL, many of them are also on relatively few FNWSL teams, meaning that when they have a good game, your team will benefit when many others won’t. These players could make all the difference in your league down the stretch!
So to highlight some players that are trending up, this week’s team of the week complies with all FNWSL team requirements, with one twist: each player has increased their weekly fantasy point average by over 100% over the past four weeks. In other words, each player on the team has more than doubled their average points over the last four rounds (compared to the rest of the season).
Goalkeeper:
Gotham’s Michelle Betos has increased her average weekly point total by 263% over the past four weeks, by far the highest amount among keepers.
Defenders:
NJ/NY’s improving defensive numbers mean two more Gotham players make the list: Right back Ellie Jean has seen her minutes steadily increase during the second half of the season and her average points have increased by 117%, while center back Mandy Freeman has increased hers by 121%. Angel City’s Paige Nielsen, mostly thanks to outstanding performances against Gotham and Chicago in the last month, has seen an average fantasy point increase of 183%.
Midfielders:
Kansas City’s Claire Lavogez may be a little bit of a stretch for this list, but the Bordeaux transfer has made an immediate impact in the NWSL and is playing a lot of minutes for the Current (who have two games this week). North Carolina rookie Fuka Nagano has also only been in the league for a couple of months, but already has a goal and a ton of minutes over the past couple of weeks. Orlando’s Meggie Dougherty-Howard has the second highest percentage increase among midfielders at 350%, while Dash center mid Natalie Jacobs has logged two assists over the past few games and has an increase of 158%.
Forwards:
North Carolina’s Kerolin is probably the most obvious choice for this team, as she followed her brace against Kansas City with an almost unheard-of two goal and two assist performance against Louisville. Everton transfer Claire Emslie has 180 minutes and a goal in her last two games for Angel City for an increase of 523%, while PSG transfer Jordyn Huitema has an increase of 310% for OL Reign thanks to a goal and an assist in her last four games.
Bench:
North Carolina’s Casey Murphy has an increase of 117% over the last four games, by far the second highest percentage among keepers. Dash left back Michelle Alozie has started to get more consistent minutes in Houston which has led to a 333% increase in average fantasy points. It’s been a similar situation for San Diego right wing Amirah Ali, whose point total has increased by 216%. North Carolina’s Kiki Pickett hasn’t played much lately, but she did finally get back in the lineup last week (and is the only other available defender with an average point increase above 100%) – take a look!
Any thoughts on other players that are trending up? Or on what we should call a singular KC Current player? Comment or tweet me at @MansersAnswers!