Von Miller suspended six games: How will it impact a Super Bowl favorite?

After weeks of speculation that picked up in recent days, it is apparently now official per the NFLPA: Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller will be suspended for the first six games of the 2013 NFL season. Miller's suspension is related to the Substance Abuse policy, but he did not have a positive test. There are some rumors about a diluted sample (indicating drinking a lot of water ahead of time), but it's speculation at this point.

This suspension comes as the Broncos wait to see what Champ Bailey's availability will be for Week 1. The Broncos remain an incredibly talented team, but losing Miller for six games, and potentially losing Bailey for any time is a blow to this defense.

I bring this up because even though the 49ers are not scheduled to face the Broncos in the regular season, the two are appearing at the top of most Super Bowl odds lists. The two early season favorites rarely end up squaring off in the Super Bowl, but for now, the 49ers and Broncos are two of the favorites.

For the Broncos, this means they will be without Miller for their home games against the Ravens, Raiders, Eagles and Jaguars, and their road games against the Giants and Cowboys. They still have a dynamic offense, with the addition of Wes Welker and Montee Ball potentially taking them up a notch. However, the defense could be in for some tough games in that group. Head over to Mile High Report for more on the situation.

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