MLS Fantasy League: Week 14 picks

Ok, there's no getting around it. With the Round of Death next week and a mini-Round of Death the week after, your roster is going to be stretched, to put it mildly.

There is light at the end of tunnel, however. Four teams have double duty in Week 16, so you can score maximum points the next few weeks if you manage to plan ahead of time.

And therein lies the problem. Admittedly, there are few obvious, clear cut choices to make in the transfer market this week. Really, who you decide to pick up this week depends on how prepared you are for next week.

Below is the schedule for the Round of Death.

Philadelphia Union v Columbus Crew

New England Revolution v D.C. United

Chicago Fire v Portland Timbers

Real Salt Lake v Los Angeles Galaxy

Seattle Sounders FC v Vancoucver Whitecaps

If you find yourself low on players for next week, the Columbus Crew play three of their next four at home and are one of the few teams without a bye coming up. Frederico Higuain ($9.2) is rounding into form, though he is also one yellow card away from an automatic suspension, so buy with caution.

The Galaxy are missing Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane but also do not have a bye week coming up. Gyasi Zardes ($5.6) is a tantalizing bargain buy right now. After an electric performance tormenting the Sounders defense in his first MLS start, there's no reason why he shouldn't continue to earn significant playing time, even after Robbie Keane returns. Expect him to start on Sunday.

Now, if you want to stack your roster for Week 16, your choices become even more difficult.

The Sounders have the easiest schedule, playing on the road against a demoralized Chivas USA team who just lost their inspirational head coach then at home versus a punchless Whitecaps squad. However, they do not play during Week 16. Mauro Rosales ($8.5) always has the potential to rack up points and is worth picking up. With Eddie Jonhson away, Lamar Neagle ($5.9) is a gamble, but one worth taking.

The Timbers have double duty during Week 16, but do not play this week, so if you own anyone from Portland, hold onto 'em.

The Rapids have double duty during Week 16, but have a bye next week. Many intriguing options on the cheap. Clint Irwin ($4.9) is value for money the best keeper in the league, even at an inflated price. Deshorn Brown ($5.9) is another inexpensive forward option, but the real steal is Chris Klute ($4.6), a starter at left back averaging 5.7 points a game.

The Impact also have double duty during Week 16 but don't play next week. Marco de Vaio ($8.8) is obviously a popular choice after his hat trick last week. However, Justin Mapp ($6.9) has been a pleasant surprise. After spending most of the season on the bench, Mapp has started the past four games and in return has bagged two goals and three assists. Pick him up.

Finally, the Whitecaps play twice at home during Week 16 and luckily avoid a bye week. Unfortunately, the Whitecaps have not been a terribly attractive team in Fantasy League this year. They don't score a lot of goals, they don't keep clean sheets, and a constantly changing lineup all contribute to a lack of production from the Vancouver roster. Camilo ($7.6) and Lee-Young Pyo ($5.5) are the only players worth considering.

Good luck everyone!

Team name: Ben Fong-Torres FC (Almost Famous was on at the time)

Rank: 300 (Up)