It has been quite some time since the Browns entered the season with this much expectation. So, what better way to prove legitimacy than by taking on the favorite of many to win the Super Bowl. This is unquestionably the game of the week in the NFL, thanks in large part to all those expectations but also to the abundance of star power involved. That should make for an exciting game.

When Cleveland has the ball: The status of running back Jamal Lewis is in doubt due to a hamstring. If he can't go, the offense could have trouble moving the ball since coordinator Rob Chudzinski often uses the run to set up the pass.

If Lewis can't play, look for a lot from tight end Kellen Winslow. Cowboys safety Roy Williams struggles against the pass, so Winslow could make a big impact over the deep middle of the field. If he can do that early, deep throws to Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth should open up. The play of Winslow will also force the Cowboys to ease back their pressure-based defense. It should also be noted that Dallas will be without starting cornerback Terrence Newman, who is injured. Adam "Pacman" Jones starts in his place, so the drop off isn't drastic.

When Dallas has the ball: What makes the Cowboys dangerous is the balance of their offense. Play heavy against the run and quarterback Tony Romo will pass often to wide receiver Terrell Owens and tight end Jason Witten. Blitz or use double coverage, and Cowboys running backs Marion Barber III and Felix Jones eat up yards and the clock.

So, what is Cleveland to do? Easy: Hope. Young cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald have to be ready to play man coverage. New defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams have to hold up against the run. If those four players play well, that leaves the team to figure out a way to stop Witten. In two-receiver sets, that could be the job of free safety Brodney Pool, which is to say he'll be healthy enough to play. The Browns defense is set up to control the gaps up front, which makes middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson a sideline-to-sideline player. He needs to have a big game all over the field.

Key matchup: Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware vs. Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. It may have only been preseason, but Thomas didn't look quite as dominant as last season. Ware is probably the best pass rusher Thomas will face this season. Ware likes to speed to the outside before juking inside to make a play on the quarterback. He did this to the tune of 14 sacks last season. Fortunately, Thomas probably has the best combination of quickness and power of any left tackle in the NFL. It could benefit the Browns to run in Ware's direction early to try and wear him out.

Quick fact: In New England's 48-27 win over Dallas last year, Stallworth had seven receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.

What Cleveland absolutely has to do to win: With Lewis most likely out (or least not 100 percent), it is imperative for Derek Anderson to get in rhythm early. That could be difficult since he didn't play the final two preseason games. If Winslow can get involved in the offense in the first couple of drives, Edwards should see single coverage.

Notes…
Guard Rex Hadnot has been ruled out for the game. Seth McKinney will start in his place. The Browns released rookie receiver Paul Hubbard. Steve Sanders was signed from the practice squad. The reason? Josh Cribbs could be out for this game. That could leave Syndric Steptoe to return kicks and Sanders as the third or fourth receiver.

The spread: Dallas is giving 5.5 points. The over/under is 49.

The prediction: Dallas 30, Cleveland 24
The Cowboys have an offense, at this point, that is just a little better than Cleveland's. Hopefully no more Browns get hurt in this game and the team gets completely healthy for Pittsburgh in Week 2. There would be no shame in losing this game, so long as the team looks competitive and competent.

Also see:
Beacon Journal: Winslow ready for Cowboys
Plain Dealer: Browns welcome test against Cowboys
Dayton Daily News: Browns-Cowboys to kick off star-studded opener
Columbus Dispatch: Browns up for challenge
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Dallas Cowboys’ Greg Ellis can’t complain as season opens
Dallas Morning News: Cowboys' Adam Jones has made changes for the better

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