Game time: 4:15 p.m.
Station: CBS
Where: FedEx Field in Washington

Although the Browns improved to 2-3 with Monday night's win against the Giants, this should still be considered a must-win game. Still, in a week, Romeo Crennel went from the hot seat to winning Coach of the Week honors. Derek Anderson went from a benching to Pro Bowl-caliber.

More important, the Redskins went from being a possible Super Bowl contender to a team that lost to the hapless, and previously winless, Rams. So, do the Browns have a chance? Absolutely.

When Cleveland has the ball: Last week, the return of Ryan Tucker on the offensive line was what the team needed to protect Anderson better. It tempered the Giants blitz, allowing Anderson to step up in the pocket and launch passes to Braylon Edwards almost at will. The Redskins don't have much of a pass rush, so the Browns should be able to throw the ball around the field today. However, end Jason Taylor is expected to play, but may not be completely 100 percent.

It should also help the Browns' passing game that Redskins secondary is the walking wounded. Top corner Carlos Rogers has been battling a calf injury and so is Shawn Springs opposite him. Nickel corner Fred Smoot is doubtful with a groin injury.

Tight end Kellen Winlsow is a game-time decision. If he plays, it will open up the running game because Winslow forces linebackers to drop back.

When Washington has the ball: The Redskins are reeling. Star running back Clinton Portis missed a few days of practice this week due to a hip flexor. Talented backup Ladell Betts is out. That means the Browns could see newly signed Redskin Shawn Alexander. Yes, that Shaun Alexander who no other team in the league wanted. No, it's not raining out. That's Shaun Rogers salivating. Still, the Browns gave up 178 yards last week, so if Portis is healthier than the Redskins are letting on, it could be trouble.

The possible return of safety Sean Jones should only make the Browns defense that much better, a week after intercepting three Eli Manning passes last week. Jones could be the key to stopping Redskins tight end Chris Cooley.

Key matchup: Redskins DE Andre Carter vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas. Carter has had a very good season. Since the Redskins haven't had Jason Taylor to get after the passer, Carter is the team's top rush end. He's also very good at stopping the run.

X Factor: Last week, Joshua Cribbs had a very good performance in special teams. He even lined up at quarterback for a play for the Browns' version of the Wildcat formation. Cribbs could be the player who confuses the Redskins the most today, so he'll have to be in top form again this week.

The spread: The Browns are 7.5-point underdogs and the over under is 42.5.

The pick: Browns 27, Redskins 21
The Browns were in top form last week. The Redskins were not. The Browns are finally healthy. The Redskins are not.

Game time: 1 p.m.
Station: CBS
Where: Paul Brown Stadium

This is it. There is no more educated description for this game. Win this game, a glimmer of hope remains. Lose and the repercussions could have a lasting affect on the Cleveland Browns franchise. Head coach Romeo Crennel could be gone. Derek Anderson could be out as the starting quarterback.

Does that make it sound important enough? Well then, onto the preview.

When Cleveland has the ball: Cincinnati is pretty terrible against the run. They've given up more than 500 yards rushing in just three games. So, this is the time for Jamal Lewis to finally earn the contract he received in the offseason. Or, maybe Jerome Harrison can get some additional touches. For the Browns, this could truly be a game where they just grind it out and set up the occasional pass. And when those passes do come, Kellen Winslow needs to be the recipient.

Also on the plus side for Cleveland is the fact that Cincinnati really struggles to get pressure on the quarterback.

When Cincinnati has the ball: Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has all the mobility of a construction worker in eyesight of an attractive woman. Because of that, it will be imperative for the Browns to get some kind of pressure on him. Doing that will help cornerbacks Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright as they face their toughest challenge going up against T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Chad Johnson (note: I will not refer to him as Chad Ocho Cinco. It is stupid). If Kamerion Wimbley decides to hustle all game, instead of just on third downs, this could finally be the game where he reemerges. And it's not like pressure will be coming from the other side because the coaching staff seems to refuse play Alex Hall at outside linebacker in serious situations.

Key matchup: Lewis versus Bengals left defensive tackle Domata Peko. Lewis is big. Peko is much, much bigger. Peko has become a very good run stopper so Lewis might have to run around him, but agility isn't really his specialty.

What Cleveland absolutely has to do to win: Want it. Outside of St. Louis or Kansas City, it seems like no team in the NFL has played with less fire than the Browns. Seriously, when is Anderson going to just yell at Braylon Edwards? Or vice/versa? How often have the defensive player celebrated after or even made a big hit? Crennel is a chill out head coach. The players can't continue playing with that same cool demeanor.

The spread: The Browns are a three and a half point underdog and the over/under is 44.5

The prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 28
It seems as though the Bengals are just the opponent the Browns need. The matchups should mean a Browns victory. If not, expect a drastic fall out. A big day from Lewis is probable. But if he carries the offense, is Brady Quinn the starter following the bye week?

Game time: 8:30
Station: NBC
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium

For the Browns, last week's game against Dallas was a complete disaster. For the Steelers, last week's game against Houston was spectacular. Oh well. That's why the cliche, "one game at a time" is around.

When Cleveland has the ball: The Steelers have traditionally been a good run-stopping team, so whatever success the Browns have today could have to come through the air. That means Braylon Edwards will have to have a much better game this week. Once again, Kellen Winslow will be the key factor for the offense. When he was making catches in the first half against Dallas, the offense was moving some. In the second half, when he only caught one pass, the offense was awful.

As the team forces Pittsburgh's linebackers to drop into coverage, it will open up the running game for Jamal Lewis.

When Pittsburgh has the ball: Much like the Cowboys last week, the Steelers have a pretty balanced offense. Fortunately for the Browns, their players aren't as talented, outside of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This is the kind of game where outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley needs to excel. It's been proven if pressure can be put on Roethlisberger in the pocket, he can get in trouble. However, he is a threat to run, so the pressure has to be contained.

The Browns could have some trouble with deep coverage now that Sean Jones is out. Look for the Steelers to go deep to Santonio Holmes, particularly if Brandon McDonald is covering him.

Key matchup: Steelers tight end Heath Miller against the Browns outside linebackers. If either Wimbley or Willie McGinest are forced to cover Miller one-on-one, it will neutralize any pass rush the Browns may have.

What Cleveland absolutely has to do to win: Keep feeding the ball to Winslow. Pittsburgh has talent on defense, but no one quite good enough to match up with Winslow. If he doesn't have at least seven or eight catches, it could be a problem. Edwards is an unknown still, as is Lewis' health. Joshua Cribbs is supposed to be back today, as well, so he'll need to set the team up with good field position.

The spread: The Browns are a 6-point underdog and the over/under is 44.5

The prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Cleveland 17
Hopefully the Browns will look better this week, but the Steelers just seem too talented.

Also see:
Beacon Journal: Browns-Steelers: Five things to watch
Beacon Journal: Anderson faces ultimate hurdle
Plain Dealer: Can Browns erase black and gold nightmare?
Post Gazette: Steelers may not own Browns, but they've got one heck of a lease on their Turnpike neighbors

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

Note: No fancy graphic today. I left it on my work computer. The game is at 4 p.m. on NBC.

The Browns are officially the walking wounded coming into the third preseason game of the year. Quarterback Derek Anderson's concussion forces Brady Quinn into the starting lineup, which many fans will probably enjoy.

There's more to this game than the quarterback, though. All of the injuries will give backups a chance to show their ability against better competition. Although, referring to the Lions better competition is something of a stretch.

What to watch for:

- With no Braylon Edwards this week, players like Paul Hubbard, Lance Leggett, Travis Wilson and Syndric Steptoe will get increased playing time. Each has several reasons why they should or shouldn't make the team.

- After playing fairly poorly last week, the first-team offensive line has to look better this week. The Giants have a much fiercer pass rush than the Lions, but the line was atrocious last week. It is worth noting that the Lions plan on using defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis at tackle on nickel plays, which the Giants routinely did last season with speedy end Justin Tuck.

- Although it's only preseason, it should be interesting to see the passion in defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. He's taken a high ground about things, but the Lions want to make him work.

- How long the starters on offense play. The third game of the preseason is generally the one where the starters play the longest. Quinn will play into the third quarter, so it should be interesting to see how long the rest of the offensive players are in the game. Do coaches risk further injuries or get players prepared for the regular season?

Key Browns injuries: Anderson (concussion), Josh Cribbs (ankle), Edwards (foot), Jamal Lewis (hamstring), Willie McGinest (groin) and Brodney Pool (concussion)

Also see:
Akron Beacon Journal: Quinn finally gets shot to play with first team
Plain Dealer: Eager to impress: QB Brady Quinn promises to 'have fun' in first start with Browns
Detroit Free Press: Five things to watch

A large portion of the original game preview was about the Jets' quarterback position and who they choose between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens. The Jets trading for Brett Favre blows that battle out of the water.

Pennington will likely be gone, possibly by game time, so Clemens should get a majority of the snaps. Last season, Clemens started eight games while playing in 10 total. For the year, he threw for 1,529 yards, five touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 60.9 percent of his passes.

What does this mean to a Browns preseason game? Cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald should look good in the first quarter. If they don't, that could be some cause for early concern.

The Jets improved their offense over the offseason, signing left guard Alan Faneca and drafting tight end Dustin Keller. Both should pay immediate dividends for New York.

As much as the Jets improved on offense, the defense should only get better after signing nose tackle Kris Jenkins from the Panthers, linebacker Calvin Pace from the Cardinals and drafting pass rusher Vernon Gholston.

As a fan, preseason games are typically worthless. This is really no different. It will be nice for anyone who hasn't gone to training camp to see the new players.

What to watch for:
- The play of new No. 2 wide receiver Donte Stallworth. He's a much different receiver than Joe Jurevicius, who starter Derek Anderson had a good rapport with.
- A new and hopefully improved defensive line featuring tackle Shaun Rogers and end Corey Williams.
- Fourth-round pick Martin Rucker, who should see considerable playing time with Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden being injured.
- The battle for the No. 3 receiver spot between Travis Wilson and Joshua Cribbs. Kevin Kasper won't play because of a knee injury.
- Rookie Alex Hall. He's been the story of camp amongst rookies and will play with the second team. David McMillan is getting the start at strong-side outside linebacker for the injured Antwan Peek. Hall will get plenty of time with the second, and possibly third, team.
- Jamal Lewis' stomach. He's down 15 pounds from last year, so a trimmer Lewis should be much more agile. Yeah, I'm stretching here.

Key Browns injuries: S Gary Baxter (knee), LB Beau Bell (knee), TE Steve Heiden (knee), WR Kevin Kasper (knee), G Seth McKinney (ankle), LB Antwan Peek (knee), FB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring), TE Kellen Winslow (hamstring).

Previous meeting: Last December, the Browns beat New York 24-18 at the Meadowlands.

Also see:
-Akron Beacon Journal: Crennel looking for team cohesion
-Canton Repository: Browns begin process of seeing where they are at this point
-Dawgs by Nature: Position battles to scope out

Expect these game previews to be much more in depth when the regular season starts and we get some kind of style down.

Note: See comment No. 2 for a neat announcement.