Brandon Lloyd Injury: How Will Kyle Orton's Fantasy Stock Be Affected?

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd will not play this afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving quarterback Kyle Orton with only three receivers dressed for the game.

To say that Orton will struggle is an understatement. He was unimpressive in the team's Week 1 loss against the Raiders, going just 24 of 46 for 304 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Lloyd led the team in receiving yards with 89, and the Broncos will need every one of those yards if they are to beat the Bengals today.

Orton was once a must-start fantasy quarterback, putting up quality yards every game. Now his stock is steadily dropping, and without Lloyd today, it's better to not start him at all if you have better options.

The Broncos will have to rely on their running game today, which is going to be extremely difficult as well. Starter Knowshon Moreno is not playing, so they will have to rely on the legs of Willis McGahee to get anything going on the ground.

Orton may be forced to go to the air, but he won't have many targets. Only wide receivers Eddie Royal, Eric Decker and Matt Willis will dress, and there is some talk of Tim Tebow being a No. 4 receiving option today.

This does not bode well for Orton's fantasy value today. While Decker is emerging as a worthwhile playmaker for the Broncos, it is doubtful he can contribute enough to bring Denver a win, or to boost Orton's stats.

If you can sit Orton, do so. He's going from fantasy treasure to trash before our very eyes.