Von Miller will serve the first of his six-game suspension Thursday night when the Denver Broncos kick-off the season versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Broncos Von Miller serves first of six-game suspension Thursday night vs. Ravens
The Denver Broncos take the field for the first time in the 2013 season, but will do so without their top pass-rusher from a season ago. We break down the Week One fantasy implications.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
More: For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report
Miller’s suspension comes due to a violation of the NFL’s substance regulations, though the full extent of his suspension is unknown. However, during his appeal, the league upped his punishment to six games from what was initially believed to be only a four-game suspension. As a result, the Broncos will be without their top defensive player from a season ago versus stiff competition, and will be searching for ways to compensate for the loss.
Fantasy Spin: Miller, along with veteran cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Quentin Jammer will be absent from Thursday's game, which could pave the way for the Ravens passing game. The Broncos defense will now have to find creative ways of pressuring Joe Flacco without their best pass rusher, and it doesn't bode well that they will need to penetrate a mauling offensive line to do so.
If they can't provide pressure with any regularity, expect Flacco to be able to throw the deep ball with confidence, which is something he has never shied away from doing when given the time. The stage is set for Torrey Smith to get downfield, and with a depleted secondary as well, his chances of cashing-in remain good for Week 1.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
