Fantasy Football Risers: Julian Edelman

Eat your heart out, Wes Welker.

With the Patriots' usual slot-man unexpectedly inactive for Sunday's matchup with the New York Jets, Tom Brady found himself confiding in a rookie receiver.

And I mean really confiding. How's 16 targets, for ya?

Welker could only salivate over all the possibilities from the sideline. You give Welker 16 targets, you can expect close to 13 catches.

Still, rookie quarterback-turned-receiver Julian Edelman impressed enough to offer optimism for the future, regardless of Welker's injury status.

With eight grabs and 98 yards, including a 29-yarder, Edelman showed superb quickness and speed, also displaying an uncanny ability to get open.

While his inexperience as a receiver and limited action at the NFL level showed in a dropped touchdown and a few other miscues, Edelman still left some jaws dropped as he finished Sunday as New England's most dependable and effective option against the Jets.

In a game that saw Randy Moss lose a jump ball for an interception, Tom Brady complete less than 50 percent of his passes, and Joey Galloway drop an easy pass, Edelman outshone just about everyone else on his offense.

Considering the Patriots didn't find the end zone all game and finished with a loss, there's only so much "good" that can be taken from Sunday's efforts.

However, with Welker's injury being somewhat of a mystery, and with no clear sign as to whether or not he'll be ready for next week, Edelman quickly becomes a luxury on the waiver wire.

The question really isn't if Welker is going to be out for more than next week or if his injury will linger.

The question is, how badly will you be kicking yourself if you didn't grab the gem that Edelman is about to become?

Snatch Edelman up as soon as possible if you are in a deep league or are a Welker owner. Also, if your receiving corps consists of the underwhelming Santana Moss, Torry Holt, and/or Donnie Avery, it never hurts to take a chance on a guy with the potential to be a breakout player.

Unsure about Edelman, Welker, or others heading into week three? Go here for all your fantasy football needs.