The Facts: Welker is due to become a free agent, but the team hopes to keep him. "I think Wes wants to be here and we want him here," owner Robert Kraft said. "Hopefully, when the season ends both sides will be wise enough to consummate something. He's pretty special."

Diehards Line:Welker, who had six catches for 55 yards in last week's win over Denver -- including a 7-yard touchdown on the Patriots' game-opening drive, has 554 catches for 6105 yards and 31 touchdowns in the five seasons since joining the Patriots (in 2007). That's an average of 110 catches per season. So yes, he's pretty special and a vital component to the team's ongoing offensive success. And if they can't agree to a long-term deal? Welker is certainly a candidate for the team's Franchise tage.