2021 MLS Fantasy preseason rankings: Top 25 defenders

MLS Fantasy is back and it’s time to start building your squad!

We’ll be previewing the top options at each position to give you all the tools you need to field a competitive side ahead of opening weekend April 16-18. Start playing today!

Keeping it clean

At five points a pop, clean sheet points go a long way in seeing your team shoot up the standings. So a viable strategy is to seek out defenders from teams with the best shutout odds, but that’s not the only way defenders can pile up fantasy points.

MLS Fantasy also rewards defensive bonus points for clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles and recoveries. Get familiar with all of the possible ways to earn points by studying the 2021 point scoring system here.

Attack from the back

While defensive actions are a consistent way to collect points, mixing in defenders with attacking upside can really separate your squad from the pack. Attacking fullbacks like Ryan Hollingshead and Anton Tinnerholm aren’t shy about getting involved going forward, and center backs like Walker Zimmerman are goalscoring threats on set pieces. 

If the stars align, you’ll be reaping the rewards of a combination of defensive and attacking points to make some big moves up the standings.