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Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker started out the fantasy football season with a bang, but in the last few weeks he has dropped off his fantasy production drastically. Just because the numbers have dropped off recently doesn’t mean that it is time to give up on Welker.
Through the first six games of the season, Welker and quarterback Peyton Manning had quite the chemistry going. Welker scored eight touchdowns in those first six games of the season and only dipped into single digit fantasy points in one week. Welker looked to be one of the favorite targets to go to for Manning, especially in the red zone where Welker caught most of his touchdown passes.
The last five games Welker has played in the production has decreased as he has only been able to find the end zone in one of those five games and was only able to give his fantasy owners one double digit performance.
After this lackluster run of fantasy performances it’s not yet time to give up on Welker. With Manning slinging the ball for the Broncos, Welker is a threat every week of the season and should have no problem finding the end zone again before the fantasy season is over.
It’s not as if Manning isn’t targeting Welker as much as he was earlier in the season given his double-digit targets in now three of the past five weeks. The amount of receptions isn’t horrible, either, as in the last five games Welker has caught 28 balls. The problem with Welker has been his inability to find the end zone.
Heading into the last two weeks of most fantasy leagues, Welker goes up against a couple of tough pass defenses in the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans. In the rematch against the Chiefs, who were scorched by Philip Rivers last week, Welker is once again a solid play as the last time these teams met he caught eight passes for 72 yards. Against the Titans it may be more of a struggle for Welker, but again, with Manning at the helm Welker is always a threat.
It’s not time to give up on Welker, especially as the playoffs near, and at worst he’s a high end WR2 from here on out. I really find no reason to start doubting Welker as he has all the positive attributes a fantasy owner is looking for. Even though he hasn’t found the end zone in the past three weeks, don’t expect that trend to continue. If you find yourself in the fantasy playoffs, Welker looks to have great potential to succeed due to fantastic match-ups and can aid your team to a championship.
Tristen Challe is a Fantasy Writer for Rantsports. Follow him on Twitter @TristenChalle or on Google
