Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker has not been fined by the NFL for his hit on New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib in the AFC championship game.

Welker was criticised by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for the hit on a pick play in the second quarter of the game, which caused Talib to miss the rest of his side's defeat.

However, the vice president of officiating Dean Blandino defended the play stating that it was a legal hit, and he has been backed up by his colleagues in the NFL who have chosen not to fine the 32-year-old.

Welker and his teammates are gearing up for the Super Bowl following their win in the AFC title game and will face the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium on February 2.