It’s the last week of the season. * * Sigh * *  

Most leagues had their championships during week 16, but some hold on until the bitter end, either with the finals in Week 17, or those that use a roto-style format and forgo the playoff system completely. Basically, every week counts, so I will toss out a few guys that you might want to consider if the injury bug has you in the full nelson.

Now a word of warning!! As I’ve said in the past, don’t go crazy and sit one of your regulars for these proverbial “shots in the dark”. That’s just plain silly and can cost you. Case in point – in a league where I have a co-owner, he was adamant about picking up and starting Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas over Victor Cruz this past week. Despite my protests, I caved and allowed it to happen.

The ultimate result? We lost by ONE. The moral of this story is don’t out-smart yourself! It’s a long off-season to dwell in despair and disgust.

Ok, enough despair and disgust! Let’s take a look at some final week options…

QB Kyle Orton, Kansas City Chiefs

I listed him here last week, as I was pretty sure he’d come through with a serviceable performance and he did. If you are still in the mix and need a decent quarterback to end the season with, Orton isn’t such a bad option. It could be interesting as he faces his former team, the Denver Broncos.

RB Jackie Battle, Kansas City Chiefs

Another Chief? Stop it, Dan. It is interesting how having a decent guy behind center at the quarterback position can open up the running game a bit. He didn’t set the world on fire, but with Orton slinging the ball with some semblance of success and keeping defenses a tad more honest, Battle is providing a decent punch on the ground.

RB Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings

With there being no mistake regarding RB Adrian Peterson’s status, Gerhart will get the rock exclusively in Week 17. Could be rough sledding against the Chicago Bears, but his blend of size and versatility make him mildly dangerous regardless of opponent.

RB Kendal Hunter, San Francisco 49ers

He’ll likely see a decent amount of work, most definitely double digit touches, so if you are scrambling for a flex option, Hunter could deliver this week against the St. Louis Rams. There is no sense in pounding RB Frank Gore into the ground.

RB Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers

With James Starks banged up again, look for Grant to get the bulk of the carries at home against the Detroit Lions. Obviously the Packers are a pass-first team, but Grant will get enough touches to be a viable fantasy option this week.

RB Ronnie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

I wouldn’t expect the Eagles to go crazy this week with RB LeSean McCoy, especially with news that he is nursing an injury. If he is limited or doesn’t go, Brown is a solid option this week, without question. The Eagles are only playing out the string, and should McCoy play and get seriously hurt, I would seriously stay off the streets in Philadelphia to avoid the riots.

RB Sammy Morris, Dallas Cowboys

Keep an eye on the status of RB Felix Jones, and if he is unable to go, Morris will get the nod again, and stands to do pretty well against the Giants this week. After being plucked off the street a few weeks ago, Morris is proving he still belongs in the NFL. Consider this an extended four quarter interview for future employment. Even if Jones plays, he is worth stashing away in dynasty formats to see where he lands in 2012.

RB Evan Royster, Washington Redskins

His performance last week opened the door (literally) for RB Ryan Torain’s release. He is definitely worth taking a look at in dynasty leagues, and if Roy Helu is unable to go again this week, Royster is an interesting sleeper option against the Philadelphia Eagles.

RB Ryan Torain, Free Agent

What? Hey, if you are in a dynasty league, grab him cheap and roster him until his situation gets clearer. He’s already proved he can play in the NFL, and if he lands in the right situation, you could have something. Definitely a low-risk, high reward type situation.

WR Jarrett Dillard, Jacksonville Jaguars

In what would basically be a dynasty league flier, he stood out to me based on his 10 targets. See what he does this week against the Indianapolis Colts. Could be interesting to see how hard the Colts play in this last week of the season.

WR Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders

As much of a fan I am of Darrius Heyward-Bey, when Moore is in the lineup, Carson Palmer looks his way early and often. This past week, he was targeted 9 times by Palmer and the result was 4 receptions for 94 yards as a touchdown. In their last game of the season, the Raiders host the San Diego Chargers, and there could be some offensive fireworks.

TE Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans

Albeit late, Cook is starting to play the way many had hoped for earlier in the season. He is a big, fast option with solid hands, who should be a viable option week in a week out. The operative word is “should”.  He could end the season with a bang against the Texans.

TE Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

The rookie out of Notre Dame is starting to turn heads, especially with his red zone success as of late. He is more of a dynasty option, as TE Visanthe Shiancoe could very well depart as a free agent in 2012.

It's been an absolute pleasure this season - I hope you had as much fun with this as did I. You'll want to stay tuned during the off-season, as we have some exciting things planned with Free Agency, the NFL Draft, all driven to keep you on top of everything as you gear up for the 2012 season!

It'll be here before you know it our first MOCK DRAFT will be starting!!

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Dan