It hasn't been a good last few days for fantasy receivers. First Steve Smith levels his teammate and is suspended two games, then we hear Javon Walker has had enough and almost retired last week, and now word comes that the league is about to suspend Brandon Marshall. This is why fantasy drafts should not be held until after the preseason.
Anyways, NFL.com is reporting that Marshall will be suspended for three games this week for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy. If Marshall agrees to undergo counseling, the suspension could be lowered to two games.
There were already concerns surrounding Marshall entering the season — he's been arrested three times in the past year and suffered a severe arm laceration in March — so this suspension just adds to that list. Missing the first two regular-season games won't kill his fantasy value — he would've been facing two of the league's best corners in the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha and the Chargers' Antonio Cromartie — but a third missed contest against the Saints could be a blown opportunity for big numbers. He's worth downgrading a bit on your draft board, but I think he's still a top-20 WR if he's only out for two games. Remember, the guy had 102 catches for 1,325 yards and seven TDs last season.
The same goes for QB Jay Cutler. I had him pegged to break out in '08, and I'm not wavering on that just because he won't have Marshall for a couple games. Facing two solid pass defenses, Cutler probably wouldn't have had big passing stats those first two weeks anyways. Plus, he'll still have some decent targets even without his No. 1 WR. I'd leave the QB right where he's at on the draft board.
Beneficiaries of Marshall's suspension include Darrell Jackson, who now almost certainly will start the first two games; Keary Colbert, who could wind up being the No. 2 receiver with Marshall out; Eddie Royal, a rookie wideout that the team really likes and who should get increased playing time; and Tony Scheffler, who's likely to see more passes during those first couple weeks. Each of these guys' fantasy value gets a slight uptick.
