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Fantasy Football: Wes Welker Week 3 Projection

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By @AnthonyIrwinNBA

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos

Chris Humphreys – USA Today

Peyton Manning to Wes Welker became one of the scariest calls opposing defenses could hear last season. Welker’s return only adds to an already unbelievable passing offense. That said, Welker also brings some questions as he faces an angry Seattle Seahawks team in Seattle—a historically brutal place to play—and has to regain rhythm with Manning and returning from a concussion. He’ll be great this fantasy football season, but not this weekend.

During Welker’s absence, Emmanuel Sanders developed a very good rapport with Manning and Julius Thomas, becoming a favorite target in the red zone. While Manning has shown a proclivity for spreading the wealth, and has plenty of wealth (he comes off a 55-touchdown season) to spread around, we need to sit back and see how he does with this set of weapons. The team is very well set up with Welker underneath, Julius Thomas basically everywhere, Sanders in the middle of the field and Demaryius Thomas to crack deep plays at any given time. It will take some time to get it all working, though.

In terms of matchup, Welker could not possibly come back at a worse time. The Seahawks’ vaunted defense is already tough enough, but playing at home after a loss? Woof. The Legion of Boom will play even more physically Sunday and we could very well see a repeat of last year’s Super Bowl blowout. Welker might be a good target to get some rhythm going, but knowing he’s coming off the NFL’s concussion protocol, head coach John Fox might be smart to only play Welker sparingly to limit risk of further head trauma.

The last factor in all this is Manning’s reliance on timing, which he could not possibly have done over the past couple weeks as Welker hasn’t been allowed at the practice facility due to suspension. Yes, there is the chance that they simply pick up where they left off, but I wouldn’t count on it against this Seahawks’ defense.

Owners who do decide to start Welker Sunday have one thing to fall back on: a Seattle blowout. Garbage points still count towards weekend totals and Manning might use such time to develop the timing necessary for success down the road. I actually think the Seahawks will blow them out, but I wouldn’t count on getting points that way if there are other options out there. For example: Brian Quick is available in most fantasy leagues and is leading his team in targets.

I’ll predict five catches for 60 yards or so with no scores.

Anthony F. Irwin is an NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA Football contributor for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Send him an email at .

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