By AVI CREDITOR

If the Chicago Fire are going to make any semblance of a playoff run, this week is when it's going to happen.

With favorable matches at home against Toronto FC and at the Philadelphia Union, the Fire have a golden chance to pick up six points and re-enter themselves in the race for the postseason. Considering the must-win nature of both matches, bet on the Fire, and their top fantasy scorers, to deliver this week. 

With some of the more consistent players locked up in uneasy fixtures (Los Angeles-Columbus, Real Salt Lake-Seattle), some of this week's lineup decisions may be a bit more tricky than normal.

Here are this week's player rankings by position:

FANTASY MLS WEEK 24 PLAYER RANKINGS

GOALKEEPERS

1. Sean Johnson, CHI – Two favorable matchups, at home against Toronto and then at Philadelphia
2. Stefan Frei, TOR – First match at Chicago is no cakewalk, but second match at home against D.C. most definitely is
3. Matt Reis, NE – Chivas has mustered two goals in its last five games, and has been shut out three times in that span
4. Kevin Hartman, DAL – Riding a three-match clean-sheet streak and already owns a shutout against San Jose this season
5. Nick Rimando, RSL – Rimando is perhaps the league's best and has four clean sheets in his last five starts, but this week's matchup at Seattle is no gimme
6. Jon Busch, SJ – He's the Quakes' best chance at putting a halt to FCD's unbeaten streak (13)
7. Donovan Ricketts, LA – Tough matchup against Columbus presents a challenge for Galaxy D
8. Will Hesmer, CLB – L.A.'s recent offensive struggles are Hesmer's gain
9. Zach Thornton, CHV – Chivas is not in great form, but inconsistent Revs present intriguing matchup
10. Bouna Coundoul, NY – Colorado's strike tandem of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings are on a roll and will be a lot to handle for RBNY back line

DEFENDERS

1. Wilman Conde, CHI – Disappointing fantasy campaign can be boosted by two big-time performances this week
2. Heath Pearce, DAL – At least three fantasy points in four of his last five matches
3. Jair Benitez, DAL – Contributing more offensively from his outside back position (two assists in his last five games) and needs to step up with the expected absence of George John
4. Darrius Barnes, NE – Nice matchup for the Revs against Chivas this week
5. Dan Gargan, TOR – Excellent second matchup this week against D.C. at home
6. Robbie Russell, RSL – Top-scoring MFLS defender plays for what is currently the most solid back line in the league
7. Jamison Olave, RSL – His three goals are tied for most (Andy Iro, CLB) among defenders
8. Sean Franklin, LA – Still L.A.'s best attacking defender although the results haven't been there recently
9. Omar Gonzalez, LA – Aerial threat saved the day last week against Chicago and is always a threat off set pieces
10. Chad Marshall, CLB – Presents the other half of an intriguing USMNT matchup at centerback

MIDFIELDERS

1. Freddie Ljungberg, CHI – After serving his yellow-card suspension, rejuvenated DP will help add a much-need spark to the Fire attack
2. Dwayne De Rosario, TOR – Returning from international duty early to try and inspire the Reds, and he has a glorious matchup over the weekend to recharge his fantasy campaign
3. David Ferreira, DAL – Was involved in the scoring in Dallas' win over San Jose earlier this season and is about as safe as a play as there is considering his and FCD's run of form
4. Marco Pappa, CHI – Won't be available for Chicago's first match of the week, but is presented with a golden opportunity against Philadelphia during the weekend
5. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, CLB – Crew talisman should be rested and ready for L.A. after playing 210 minutes last week
6. Javier Morales, RSL – James Riley's potential absence puts a dent into Seattle's defensive plans, which is good news for the top-scoring MFLS midfielder
7. Sebastien Le Toux, PHI – Got back on the scoring track last week and is a remarkably safe play considering Union's record
8. Brek Shea, DAL – Notched a brace against Earthquakes in their last meeting
9. Steve Zakuani, SEA – Beat RSL defense for a goal in their earlier match this season
10. Kyle Beckerman, RSL – Less of an offensive threat but still a potential playmaker in RSL's midfield
11. Geovanni, SJ – Looks mighty comfortable in Frank Yallop's system, evidenced by his goal and assist against Houston last week
12. Khari Stephenson, SJ – On the same page as Geovanni, and the two form a real threat in the Quakes' midfield
13. Baggio Husidic, CHI – An under-the-radar contributor with four goals and four assists on the season
14. Joel Lindpere, NY – With Rafa Marquez and Dane Richards possibly having lesser minutes after international stints, Lindpere will have to run the show for the RBNY attack
    
15. Mehdi Ballouchy, COL – Two assists in his last three games and will keep racking them up as long as Casey and Cummings keep delivering

FORWARDS

1. Juan Pablo Angel, NY – Scored against Colorado earlier in the year and should put streaking Rapids to the test
2. Edson Buddle, LA – With the stakes high, and Buddle going against a former team, expect him to shine
3. Alvaro Saborio, RSL – Didn't play for Costa Rica against Jamaica, which is good for his prospects against Seattle
4. Fredy Montero, SEA – Montero's form will be put to the test by a disciplined RSL defense
5. Landon Donovan, LA – Shockingly had a PK saved, but is still as trustworthy as ever as a fantasy starter
6. Thierry Henry, NY – The Henry-Angel/Cummings-Casey dynamic could lead to an explosive match at Red Bull Arena
7. Patrick Nyarko, CHI – Potential big week for Fire's speedy winger
8. Justin Braun, CHV – Great matchup for the young Braun to add to his already impressive goal total
9. Omar Cummings, COL – Three goals in his last two matches (not including the goal he scored for Jamaica) and is in top form
10. Jeff Cunningham, DAL – Milton Rodriguez' shoulder injury could open the door for Cunningham to see extended minutes against San Jose

COACHES

1. Carlos de los Cobos, CHI
2. Preki, TOR
3. Schellas Hyndman, DAL
4. Hans Backe, NY
5. Bruce Arena, LA
6. Jason Kreis, RSL
7. Robert Warzycha, CLB
8. Sigi Schmid, SEA
9. Steve Nicol, NE
10. Frank Yallop, SJ

Soccer By Ives League Standings (Top 10)
1. Yankee Racers………………………………..599 points
1. I <3 MLS…………………………………………..599
3. FC Byrd Turgler……………………………….597
4. Campione……………………………………….596
5. Cpt. Pancakes and Lt. Waffles……….595
6. Skillz………………………………………………..588
7. MassiveVictory…………………………………541
8. ShaggyReAL……………………………………539
9. CleartheBall…………………………………….536
10. The Lanark Ave Creepers……………..534

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER

ShaggyReAL (39 points)

—————————–Rimando(7)—————————-
–Gonzalez(4)—————Marshall(3)—————Olave(2)–
–Schelotto(5)—-Morales(4)—-Le Toux(4)—-De Rosario(0)–
—-Casey(6)————–Donovan(3)—————Buddle(0)—-

Coach: Arena(1)

Soccer By Ives Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. FC Byrd Turgler………………………..385 points
2. I <3 MLS……………………………………379
3. The Cool Hands………………………375
4. The Royal Army………………………..368
5. Ludacris Speed……………………….363
6. Sonnenhof………………………………..361
7. Gene's Old Boys………………………357
8. Morales' mullet…………………………353
8. UTGunners……………………………….353
8. Deportivo Bella Vista………………..353

LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER

Deportivo Bella Vista (30 points: 4 exact, 2 correct)

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Will you trust the Fire this week? What's your lineup looking like? Who do you think is in for the best week?

Share your thoughts below.