3. Los Angeles FC
Last season finish: 67 points; 1st in West, 1st in League (Supporters Shield); Won MLS Cup
Player to watch: F Denis Bouanga
LAFC is fresh off the rare Supporters' Shield/MLS Cup double, and arguably still has the most talented roster in the league. However, I still feel precarious picking LA as high as third.
This team is going to be all in for Champions League, and that will take a toll on the regular season standings. Even with a deep run in CCL, though, LA has the talent to host a playoff game. Also, Denis Bouanga might well win the Golden Boot or MVP trophy this season. He's been lethal in preseason after a strong playoff performance last year.