It’s the last hoorah. The final week of the fantasy season begins Monday. The majority of the teams play six games next week, 22 teams to be exact. However, there are a few teams at each end of the spectrum. First, four teams have just five games on the docket. Meanwhile, four have seven games on the agenda.

Notable Matchups

Arizona Diamondbacks at HOU (2), at SF (3)

Unfortunately, it’s a double-whammy of bad news for Arizona’s hitters. First, they’re one of the four teams with only five games. Second, they have challenging pitching matchups. Still, they’re projected to face at least four righties. So, Corbin Carroll has merit for usage. Daulton Varsho is also a lineup-lock. However, gamers should consider alternatives with more scheduled games in weekly leagues for the remainder of Arizona’s hitters.

Houston Astros vs. ARI (2), vs. TB (3)

There isn’t anything to do with Houston’s stud hitters but suck it up and accept their short week. Still, someone such as Jeremy Pena can be benched or cut for an alternative in leagues where viable alternatives are available.

New York vs. MIA (2), at ATL (3)

Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor are the only hitters gamers should definitely use next week. Gamers who need batting average can also use Jeff McNeil. Otherwise, the short week renders the rest of New York’s hitters as lousy options in all but deep leagues.

St. Louis Cardinals at MIL (2), vs. PIT (3)

The advice for Houston’s hitters applies to St. Louis’s batters as well. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado are lineup locks. Further, gamers who need speed can use Tommy Edman, despite the low volume of games. Otherwise, the Red Birds’ hitters are an easy fade in the upcoming scoring period.

Colorado Rockies at SF (3), at LAD (3)

The Rockies don’t have any more games at home this year. Thus, gamers should kick their hitters to the curb for basically anyone else.

Baltimore Orioles at BOS (4), at NYY (3)

The Orioles are the first of four highlighted teams with a week-high seven games. The volume is a boon for Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Moreover, Ryan Mountcastle is a viable option for gamers chasing last-minute homers and RBI. Finally, gamers truly desperate or stolen bases who have some wiggle room for batting average can throw a hail mary with Jorge Mateo.

Boston Red Sox vs. BAL (4), at TOR (3)

The Red Sox have unimposing pitching matchups in the next scoring period. Further, Fenway Park and Rogers Centre are hitter-friendly parks, enhancing Boston’s hitters’ value. As a result, Tommy Pham and Enrique Hernandez are two widely-available and intriguing streamers. Pham has settled in atop Boston’s order, making him an excellent source of runs.

Philadelphia Phillies at CHC (3), at WSH (4)

Jean Segura and Alec Bohm have been steady depth players this year. And this week, they have a favorable layout that pushes them into starter territory. Finally, the pitching matchups are outstanding.

Washington Nationals vs. ATL (3), vs. PHI (4)

The Nationals are light on fantasy talent. Yet, Luke Voit is a nifty power source. He’s muscled up for 21 homers in 516 plate appearances this year. Luis Garcia is also an enticing option in leagues as shallow as 12-team mixers with a middle infielder and utility spot. The middle infielder is a jack of all trades and master of none, hitting six homers with three stolen bases and a .279 batting average.

Pitcher Notes

Zack Wheeler (PHI)

Wheeler made a successful return from the Injured List (IL) on Wednesday night. He spun four scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on 58 pitches. As a result, Wheeler can be trusted in his next turn.

Spencer Strider (ATL)

Unfortunately, it’s unclear when Strider will start again. He experienced a sore left oblique and will slot back in the rotation when he feels good.

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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.