Week Six MLS Fantasy Primer: Lions, Timbers and…well, Fire.

If you’re an Orlando City fan using Orlando City players — like most of our group — you’re probably a little on edge about some of the developments this week. Pedro Ribeiro’s hamstring injury probably has him out 2-3 months and we can’t figure out if there’s something wrong with Kaká’s calf or not after he stopped taking free kicks in the late going on Friday. But don’t worry, and don’t give up hope. We’re all in this together.

A quick fantasy scouting report on the Timbers

Portland still can’t close games for whatever reason but it’s not due to a lack of effort. Fanendo Adi is the Timbers’ leading fantasy point earner with 29 points. It’s second best among forwards, which isn’t surprising given his scoring rate this season (three goals in five matches).

The defense has run hot or cold this season, earning clean sheets against Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake, but giving up multiple goals to the LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps. Portland’s defense did play well against FC Dallas and Nat Borchers seemed to benefit the most, leading defenders in week five because of a goal and two bonus points for defense, in addition to playing a full 90. Still, it shouldn’t be too much to ask for an Orlando City goal or two in this one.

So if Pedro's hurt….

Cyle Larin, F. $5.5. I won't recommend starting an Orlando City forward just yet. But if you have to, roll the dice on Larin. Hell, it's not much of a risk either. We're pretty high on the Canadian striker and even Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel thinks he has a chance to break the starting XI. He could be a stash/steal at $5.5 if the Purple Scoring Machine (just came up with it, hate it or love it) ever gets it together.

What about Kaká?

Well, that's tricky. I'm not sure who would pick up his slack on this team and there might not be anyone in MLS as important to his team as Kaká. I wouldn't worry too much about it until something official comes up. But, if it turns out he has to miss some game time, here are three players from around the league to keep any eye on if you don't have them rostered already:

Harrison Shipp, M, $7.9. He’s been a force for a rapidly improving Chicago Fire club. Shipp has three assists in the last two matches and Saturday’s contest is pretty much the first time the Fire have had their full lineup together — and boy did they look good. Once their attacking unit gets going, they’ll be dangerous and Shipp will be a dangerous option, and affordable too. Also note, MLS Fantasy rates Shipp’s form as 7.5 compared to Kaká’s 5.8. Consider him if the Brazilian superstar goes down.

Javier Morales, M, $11.3. Morales is the top scoring player in fantasy soccer right now with two goals, three assists and 40 points in four matches. He’s scored double digit points in the last three matches and his form, according to MLS Fantasy’s stats, is a 12.0. So, if you’re going to dump money, dump it on him.

Some quick fantasy numbers for Orlando City

Orlando City’s highest scoring player against D.C. United: Eric Avila, with six points. Yeah, that’s not a lot, and he didn’t finish the game on the field. Avila got four points just for not being on the field for the goal, which is a plus for him, I guess.

The Lions’ season points leader: Kaká, 32 points. To put it in perspective, Donovan Ricketts and Seb HInes are in second with 18 points each.

Orlando City''s expected leading scoring player for this week: Who else but Kaká? MLS Fantasy predicts him to earn six points but he can always get more. Maybe another close loss will elevate everyone's game.