Of course, we’ve reached the end of the regular season and hence, the fantasy football season, but I’m planning on returning next year with the column. I hope everyone has benefited from my waiver wire recommendations. Drop me an e-mail with any questions or comments. Most fantasy leagues are all wrapped up, but for those home leagues that have their championship in week 17 and still allow waiver pickups, we’ve got one more column for you. Have a great ’07 and good luck in your endeavors!

Quarterbacks

Off The Top

Steve McNair, BAL – There’s a chance a team bailed on him when he put up zero fantasy points following the hand injury in Week 15. So that’s one reason why he’s listed. The other reason he’s listed is because I couldn’t think of anyone who could possibly be available that qualifies for the top of the heap. Jeff Garcia’s definitely a hot ticket, but I’m sure he’s been scooped up in just about every league out there. Vince Young would qualify too, but he’s in the same boat as Garcia and even if he is available, he’s got New England this week and only a glimmer of hope to make the playoffs. So if somebody dropped McNair, here’s your chance – he faces Buffalo this week in Baltimore.

Digging Deeper

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT – He’s listed as probable on the injury report and he’s had a horrible ’06. But Cowher will be on him and I’m sure he wants to finish on a high note with an upset spoiler win in Cincy, whose pass defense is questionable. This could be a shootout, and he’s probably available in some leagues.

Scouring The Barrel

Brian Griese, CHI – Grossman’s supposed to get the start against Green Bay, even though the Bears don’t need the game. But I’m thinking Lovie will get Griese at least three quarters worth of snaps since he might be called into action as soon as Grossman starts throwing picks in the playoffs. It’s a long shot, but you really can’t do any better with too many other scrubs around the league.

Updates:

J.P. Losman, BUF – Not a good play at Baltimore.

Jake Delhomme, CAR – Weinke’s bad, and Jake looks like he’s been shelved for the year. But he’s still an option if he starts Sunday.

Derek Anderson, CLE – Ummm, no. after last week’s debacle, Ken Dorsey starts in Cleveland this week.

Tim Rattay, TB – I’m confident the real Tim Rattay showed up last week, too.

Tarvaris Jackson, MIN – He’s a real long shot this week for a decent fantasy performance.

Jay Cutler, DEN – Finally, a solid option among the updates. But after last week, he’s probably not available, is he?

Running Backs

Off The Top

Mike Bell, DEN – Probably not available, but he might be. Watch to see what’s going on this week in Denver, although that probably won’t mater either. Okay – just cross your fingers and pray Shanahan plays him again during most of their offensive series.

Michael Turner, SD – I’m bringing Turner right back to this spot, but to the top spot. I’ll ditto my comments last week and say that if the Chargers get any kind of lead against the Cards, you’ll see Turner come in. If I’m wrong, then Schottenheimer’s an idiot.

Digging Deeper

Laurence Maroney, NE – Again, a guy that’s probably not out there, but he was injured and could be on a few wires. The Pats need the game and they’re facing the Titans. He’s still splitting time, so you never know what he’s capable of. Maroney isn’t a desperation play, but he’s on the cusp of being risky.

Scouring The Barrel

Michael Pittman, TB – Let’s hope Cadillac doesn’t rush back. I’ve been including Pittman all year in this column and in one week as a starter he racked up more fantasy points than Cadillac did in any single game this season. What do you think of that, Gruden?

Updates:

Ron Dayne, HOU – Once again, I’m completely befuddled by this guy’s studly emergence.

Mewelde Moore, MIN – Taylor returned last week and Moore didn’t contribute.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Off The Top

WR Vincent Jackson, SD – Yup, Vince was the second highest scoring fantasy WR last week and not too many owners had him on their radar before that. But he’d been getting some looks in the weeks leading up to the Seattle game, so grab him if he’s out there.

Digging Deeper

WR Matt Jones, JAC – Finally healthy and obviously talented, Jones scored last week and is a decent ply against the Chiefs. Maybe next year he’ll actually warrant his draft position, but a lot of owners learned some valuable lessons this season about him and the Jags offense in general.

WR Santonio Holmes, PIT – I like the matchup and tend to think Hines Ward should take a few plays off and get ready for next year.

Scouring The Barrel

TE Dave Thomas, NE – Ummm, I didn’t know about this guy until last week, which makes sense because guessing who’ll emerge from week to week in the Pats receiving corps is like guessing where Jimmy Hoffa’s buried – you can have a hunch, but it might end up costing you in the end to actually dig for him. I don’t know if this is a recommendation or a warning, but Thomas had 5-83-1 last week.

Updates:

TE Jerramy Stevens, SEA – Nada mucho against the Chargers, which surprised me.

WR Demetrius Williams, BAL – Made me look good with his score last week.

WR Ronald Curry, OAK – Continues to make me look good. The friggin guy had 11 catches and 100+ yards last week.

IDP

Off The Top

DB Madieu Williams, CIN – He’s had a quiet season overall, but he’s got a solid matchup this week facing the Steelers who rank at the top of the list in surrendering fantasy points to DBs. Williams, Kevin Kaesviharn and Deltha O'Neal all had big games against the Steelers the last time around.

LB Victor Hobson, NYJ – A better fantasy LB in ’06 than Vilma, Hobson should have another good day against the Raiders, who give up obscene point totals to LBs.

DB Jermaine Phillips, TB – Coming of two great games, which included a 2-INT performance last week. He might not be available, but if he is grab him for this solid matchup against Seattle.

Digging Deeper

LB Leon Williams, CLE – In two starts (weeks 15 and 16) he’s racked up 26 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Yeah.

LB Chris Draft, CAR – A solid LB with a decent matchup. He may not be available, but he’s a consistent point scorer.

Scouring The Barrel

LB Morlon Greenwood, HOU – He’s not as ridiculous as fellow linebacker and defensive mate DeMeco Ryans, but he’s got a solid matchup this week.

DL Mario Williams, HOU – I’m expecting big things from Super Mario to close out ’06.

Updates:

DB DeAngelo Hall, ATL – Not great, but not bad – three tackles and 2 PD.

LB Kawika Mitchell, KC – Sixth-highest scoring LB last week with seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. I hit this one right on the head. Damn I’m good.

DL Tamba Hali, KC – Well, he didn’t perform, since Jared Allen had the big game. But my heart was in the right place and my brain was close.