NFL odds: Broncos lose top WR for first few games

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook

The Denver Broncos’ No. 1 receiver, Brandon Marshall, will miss the team’s first two games, at a minimum, when he is suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s conduct policy.

The suspension is for three games but can be reduced by one if Marshall, who has been arrested three times since last year and is due in court in September for a trial on a drunk driving arrest, attends counseling, which he is expected to do. Marshall can practice with the team right up until the week of the season opener.

The Broncos' first two games are against division rivals. They start the season Sept. 8 at Oakland and then play San Diego at home on Sept. 14. Denver's third game is against New Orleans at home on Sept. 21.

Marshall has yet to be convicted for any crimes, but according to the league's personal conduct policy: "It's not enough to simply avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard. . . . Persons who fail to live up to this standard are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

Marshall led the Broncos in receiving last year with 102 catches for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns. Denver does have some depth at the position despite losing Rod Smith to retirement.

“We brought in Keary (Colbert) and D-Jack (Darrell Jackson) for a reason,” fellow receiver Brandon Stokley said. “They're proven players in this league, so we'll all have to step up and fill his void."

Jackson and Colbert would be the likely starters for the season opener against Oakland, for which Denver is currently a 1-point favorite on WagerWeb.com.

“It would be safe to say we'd be without our best player in the group. Everyone is talented, but he is extremely talented; he is the head of our group," Colbert said of Marshall. “We have to be able to hold it down for him while he's out."

Rookie second-round pick Eddie Royal is making a strong push for playing time as well, and coach Mike Shanahan has took notice.

"He's been very impressive," Shanahan said. "He's got a burning desire to make the starting lineup."

 

Marshall, meanwhile, reportedly started camp sluggishly and out of shape after missing the team’s offseason camps with an injury to his right forearm, which has healed. But he has stepped up his play lately.

"He hasn't skipped a beat," Shanahan said. "He's making plays left and right and he is just going to keep getting better and better as his body gets back into football shape."

Denver’s 2008 odds on WagerWeb.com: +425 to win the AFC West, +1800 to win the AFC, +4000 to win Super Bowl XLIII.