Wes Welker's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 3

Wes Welker is back—just in time for arguably his worst matchup of the year. 

The veteran wide receiver wasn't expected to return until after the Denver Broncos' Week 4 bye, but with the NFL and NFLPA finalizing the new drug policy, he will be reinstated and eligible to play Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

On Sunday, Rotoworld's Adam Levitan provided a synopsis of ESPN's Chris Mortensen discussing Wes Welker's status for today's game:

Welker has long been one of the most dynamic slot receivers in the league. Even as he enters his age-33 season, he still continues to produce at a high level and plays in an offense led by Peyton Manning. He's a PPR monster who will get plenty of looks inside the red zone, and both his fantasy owners and teammates are undoubtedly ecstatic to see him suiting up early.  

"Good to have Wes back,'' Manning said, via ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold. "Guys were excited when he walked in the offensive meeting this morning."

Still, from a fantasy perspective, it might just be best to pretend Welker is still suspended. A matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field is the opposite of a welcome-back party. 

It's worth noting that Philip Rivers had success against this defense last week, and the 'Hawks' depth in the secondary is thin with slot corner Jeremy Lane on the IR/designated to return. Still, when this defense gets to play at home with the assistance of the earth-moving crowd noise, it tends to create a constant pass rush and smothers opposing passing games. 

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

In the Seahawks' last nine regular-season home games, they have allowed a minuscule 175.1 passing yards per game and just eight total touchdowns, tallying 17 interceptions and 22 sacks over that span. Moreover, they tend to dial it up against the most prolific offenses, holding Aaron Rodgers and Drew Bees to an average of 168 yards and only two touchdowns. 

Will the Broncos move the ball better than they did in the Super Bowl? It would be tough not to, but it's still best to expect average numbers. 

That leaves Welker as a shaky fantasy option at best. While he had success against Seattle in the Super Bowl (eight catches, 84 yards), his snaps may be limited depending on his physical shape, while he'll have to fight for targets with Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. 

You've made it this far with Welker on your bench. As long as you're not completely barren at the position, play it safe and keep him there for one more game.