Week 12 Outlook
Availability
In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, WR Wes Welker says that teams have shown little interest in signing him. Welker, who last played for the Rams in 2015, was helping out new Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase coach WRs during Dolphins minicamp last month.
Fantasy Impact
The 12 year veteran most likely has played his last game in the NFL. As an undrafted rookie out of Texas Tech in 2004, the 5’9’ 185 lb WR has defied the odds by making it in the NFL. Welker’s most successful seasons were from 2007-2012 when Welker was one of the best WRs in the NFL playing for the New England Patriots. Even if someone does give Welker a chance, he isn’t fantasy relevant anymore, even in very deep leagues.
On NFL Network programming, free agent wide receiver Wes Welker said, "I think I'm weighing my options and really trying to figure out where to go with life next," referencing the uncertainties surrounding his playing status in 2016.
Fantasy Impact
Wes Welker, 35, is a 12 year NFL veteran and could have played his last down in 2015 with the Rams. Welker has been plagued by head injuries which is likely factoring in his decision on whether or not to retire. If Welker does decide to play in 2016, his fantasy value is minimal and would be considered nothing more than a shot in the dark waiver-wire pickup.
After Welker gathered 2 catches and 13 yards last week, he followed it up with 2 catches and 12 yards this week against the Bengals.
Fantasy Impact
Nick Foles was benched late in the game for rookie Sean Mannion to give you an idea of how badly this Rams' passing offense is struggling. Welker hasn't been able to make a significant impact for this team and their QB situation is not help. Welker was only targeted 3 times after having 6 and 4 in the last 2 weeks, respectively.
Wes Welker was targeted 4 times against the Ravens on Sunday and pulled in 2 of them for 13 yards.
Fantasy Impact
Welker grabbed 3 passes last week on 6 targets and saw both totals fall once Keenum took over as the Rams' starting QB. He is certainly the most accomplished WR on the roster at the moment but because of the state of Quarterback play for this team, it is hard to predict if Welker will be able to produce solid numbers. He remains an interesting option since no one else on the Rams has proved to be a consistent option, but he shouldn't be started just yet.
Wes Welker was on the field for a good amount of snaps and was targeted 6 times, enough for second most on the team. He hauled in 3 of those for a total of 32 yards.
Fantasy Impact
The Rams offense struggled as a whole against the Bears but they were clearly determined to get the ball in Welker's hands and see what he could do. He showed that he may have some left in the tank if he can stay healthy and St. Louis seems to prioritize getting him the ball over players like Kenny Britt or Jared Cook. He shouldn't be picked up just yet but watch to see if he contributes more next week.
