Week 2 Over/Unders To Watch

By Brian Maurer

Here are some of the intriguing over/under matchups for MLS Fantasy in week 2:

Atlanta United vs Toronto FC: Over 3.5 goals (+120) - Atlanta United -165/Toronto FC +320

Atlanta United are in another match that could be a high scoring affair. Last season these two teams scored a combined nine goals in their two matches. Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne was injured in the opener. Toronto also gave up three goals in their loss to DC United. There should be several more goals in Atlanta again this week. Ideally the majority of the goals come before stoppage time to reduce the nail biting for fantasy managers.

LAFC vs Portland Timbers: Over 3.5 goals (+140) - LAFC -220/Portland Timbers +475

LAFC is getting a chance to host their opening match after El Tráfico got postponed last weekend. The Portland Timbers looked a bit lackluster in the attacking third after Mosquera opened the scoring. This away match up could be a bit more difficult for them, but regardless with the fire power of LAFC there should be several goals scored in this match. The betting line is heavily favoring most of those goals coming from LAFC’s potent attack.

New England Revolution vs Houston Dynamo: Over 3.5 goals (+150) - New England Revolution -160/Houston Dynamo +350

Houston showed that they were willing to scrap on the road against FC Cincinnati opening weekend. There were loads of shots to go around in that game. The betting line this week is showing that there is potential for more goals coming from this game. This might be a bit more of a sneaky match-up to look at as both of these teams only scored one goal opening weekend. However, with Houston looking leaky at the back there seems like a good opportunity for a few goals to be scored and some of New England’s attackers are likely worth a look.

New York Red Bulls vs Nashville SC: Under 2.5 goals (-130) - New York Red Bulls +100/Nashville SC +245

Nashville SC are going to be in the under category a lot this season with their stout defense. They earned a clean sheet at home in week 1, and even on the road there is a chance to do the same against the Red Bulls. According to American Soccer Analysis, Nashville SC had only 1.2 team xG in their opener, while the Red Bulls had even less (.93 team xG). With the limited amount of chances being created by both teams and the stoutness of both defenses there seems to be a good opportunity to invest in defense for this game. Red Bull defenders would be extra enticing if Hany Mukhtar does not start for a second straight week.

Orlando City vs FC Cincinnati: Under 2.5 goals (-110) - Orlando City +100/FC Cincinnati +240

Orlando City put in a stout defensive effort against the New York Red Bulls in week 1. FC Cincinnati have a more dangerous attack, but betting on them on the road against Orlando City is a more difficult ask than against their week 1 opponent, Houston. Orlando City’s attack, while on paper looks like it could become menacing, did not have a great start. With an improved FC Cincinnati defense, and an Orlando City defense playing at home, this match-up looks trending towards a low scoring affair.

Chicago Fire vs NYCFC: Under 2.5 goals (-105) - Chicago Fire +140/NYCFC +175

NYCFC looked completely toothless against Nashville SC in their opener. Until attacking reinforcements are brought in, this team may be worth monitoring as a team to target against. The Chicago Fire were rather poor for much of last season, but their defenders were capable of picking up points. Taking a look at some value defense picks in Chicago for the home opener could be worthwhile as NYCFC appear far less threatening than in years past.