Week 5: Player Downgrades

WR Wes Welker, DEN

Consider this a pre-emptive downgrade with a heavy dose of sell-high advice. Welker's entry in this article will only cause confusion if not read carefully - or those that haven't paid attention to what's happening with the Patriots offense. Early in the season the productive slot target became more of a bystander as New England turned more and more to tight end Aaron Hernandez on routes normally assigned to the diminutive wide receiver. Then a high ankle sprain took Hernandez out in Week 2 and Welker reemerged, hauling in 22 receptions for 366 yards over the last three games. Hey, if his role stayed intact, those numbers could remain and Welker's status as a PPR fiend would remain. Don't bet on it. Hernandez is improving to the point where projecting a return by at least Week 6 seems fair. When that happens, the Welker downgrade is official and his trade value drops. Wait if you want and certainly use Welker in Week 5 if Hernandez remains sidelined - just don't forget this proactive warning.

TE Jermichael Finley, GB

This entry is more about season-long projections rather than simply Week 5, more about venting over expectations yet to be met. The Packers' passing attack should have its way against the Colts' suspect back-7 and with Greg Jennings potentially sitting out, Aaron Rodgers could look his tight end's way more. That thought would have sent Finley's weekly value soaring in previous seasons, but now just evokes shrugs. There is nothing to sneeze about catching four passes a game (something Finley has done in three straight games), but the breakout performance has yet to materalize. He has yet to top 60 receiving yards this season, he has yet to find the end zone since the season opener. Talented, no doubt, but the longer Finley goes without a high-end TE1 outing, the harder it is to keep assuming he'll turn one in.

Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings