Wes Welker, Emmanuel Sanders' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 3

The fight for the No. 3 target in the Denver Broncos offense is heating up, and Emmanuel Sanders might have taken a slight lead over Wes Welker in the team's matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. By the end of the game, both played a crucial role despite the loss.

With the return of Welker in Seattle, he appeared to be well behind Sanders in terms of production early on. Fantasy owners who started Welker on Sunday were likely underwhelmed by his numbers posted against Seattle.  

Prior to the start of the Week 3 matchup, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted Welker might have a reduced role:

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Therefore, Welker wasn't expected to to a lot for owners this week, but still produced good points late. He wasn't a great flex option against Seattle, but should be a good choice moving forward.

Here's a look at the numbers for both receivers on Sunday:

Sanders, on the other hand, clearly had a breakout performance in a Broncos uniform. The question prior to the season was who would replace Eric Decker, and Sanders has taken that role with authority.

He has yet to touch pay dirt with Denver, but has more than proven his worth in the elite offense.

Owners who started the receiver were likely surprised by his consistent production, especially against the Seahawks stingy pass defense. One of his receptions was even against Richard Sherman, as Ed Werder of ESPN notes:

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD
Wes Welker	6	60	0
Emmanuel Sanders	11	149	0

Moving forward, both wideouts will be great fantasy producers. Although the Broncos have a bye in Week 4 and will return at home against a stout Arizona Cardinals defense, each is a solid option.

Peyton Manning might have struggled against the Seahawks defense throughout much of Week 3, but found a way to get various receivers into the fold. In Sanders and Welker, he has two options that are both consistent and dynamic after the catch.

Welker and Sanders should be in starting lineups after Week 4 as flex options or WR2 if necessary. As the Broncos offense finally rounds into full force, expect both to help carry teams in the future.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.