Tim Williams - AccuScore Analyst
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I never like having fantasy leagues decided on week 17. There is no feeling worse than having Peyton Manning take you to the finals, only for you to find out that he is dropping you off in the hands of Jim Sorgi. Week 17 should be the week where you are reading over reviews of the fantasy season, celebrating your victory, or wondering what went wrong.

Because you have a ton of options on the waiver wire this week, and because a very small percentage of fantasy players have a meaningful game this week, I felt it was best to dedicate this waiver wire wonders column to recognize the best waiver wire additions at each position this season. Many of these guys were recommended plays each week in this column. Most will go on to be drafted in the majority of 2008 fantasy leagues. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 2007 Waiver Wire Wonders.

QUARTERBACKS

Derek Anderson – Anderson tops the list easily. He went from un-drafted to the 5th best quarterback in 2007. Anderson has posted a 28 to 18 touchdown to interception ratio, and has thrown for 200 or more yards in all but three starts. He topped the 300 yard mark three times, and threw for three or more touchdowns on four occasions. Look for Anderson to receive the same questions in 2008 that Tony Romo received coming in to this season. People will question whether he can repeat his success, and will draft him lower than he should go. Be the guy who “takes a risk” on Anderson next year. He is for real.

Kurt Warner – Warner took over full time for the injured Matt Leinart in week six, and was a feature in this column many times. He put up an average of 14 points per week, 3 games with 300+ yards, and nine multi-touchdown games. Warner ended up as the 12th ranked quarterback, despite missing a lot of time because of injury and serving as the backup to Leinart early in the season.

RUNNING BACKS

Ernest Graham – Graham replaced an injured Cadillac Williams in week four, and ended up the 9th best fantasy running back this season. As the starter he averaged 13 points a week, and that number jumps to 15 per week from week 7 forward. Graham had an amazing run where he scored a touchdown in six straight games from week nine on.

Ryan Grant – The Packers’ run game was pitiful until Grant came around. Grant took over in week eight and had five 100 yard games in nine starts. He scored a touchdown in six of his nine games, and averaged 4.9 yards per carry this season.

Aaron Stecker – Stecker makes the list because of his late season heroics. In week 14 he ran for 100 yards. In week 15 he put up 95 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, plus another 46 yards receiving. In week 16 he scored twice and ran for 49 yards, with 35 receiving yards.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Wes Welker – The Patriots third receiver was taken in some drafts, but quickly became a must own receiver when we all realized that the Patriots were the first ever real-life Madden team. Welker scored eight touchdowns, and had six double digit fantasy point games. Pretty good for a number three receiver.

Roddy White – The Falcons number one receiver was the 16th best fantasy receiver, but to this point hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves. White had four games with over 100 receiving yards, and scored a touchdown in five games. He had six games with double digit fantasy points.

Dwayne Bowe – Bowe broke out in week four with a 164 yard, one touchdown game. He scored five touchdowns on the season, caught for over 60 yards in nine games, and put up double digit fantasy points in five games.

TIGHT ENDS

Donald Lee – Lee was the eighth best tight end in the league this season, and still isn’t fully owned. He scored six touchdowns on the season, and posted seven games with six or more fantasy points.

Tony Scheffler – Scheffler missed the first four weeks of the season, but still managed to find his way in to the top 12 tight ends. He caught four touchdowns, had three weeks with double digit fantasy points, and even caught for 100 yards through the air in week 15.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Tampa Bay – The Bucs were un-drafted, and ended up the sixth best fantasy defense. They averaged two turnovers per week, and had six weeks with double digit fantasy points. Their best week came in week 15 when they allowed three points, forced four turnovers, and returned a kick for a touchdown against Atlanta.

Tennessee – Albert Haynesworth led the Titans defense to a strong season, and made them a serviceable fantasy unit. The Titans didn’t have a single game without forcing a turnover, and held their opponents to 14 or fewer points on seven occasions. They scored double digit fantasy points on six occasions, and came up big in week 16 with their best performance of the season.

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