SportsHubLA

GAME OF THE WEEK:

Cowboys (-6) at Browns (Sunday, 1:15 p.m. PST): Considering the two teams averaged 53.5 combined points per game last year, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could top the century mark on Sunday. The Browns added Donte Stallworth to a receiving corps that includes Braylon Edwards (right) and tight end Kellen Winslow, Jr. While Dallas counters with Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and the unheralded Patrick Crayton. Owens gets all the press and Witten gets all the tough yardage, but it seemed like quarterback Tony Romo relied on Crayton last year whenever he needed a big play down the field. Throw in Adam Jones, Marion Barber, Felix Jones, DeMarcus Ware, Terrance Newman, Roy Williams and probably ten more ‘Boys and you’ve got arguably the most intriguing group of players in one place, since…well, Jimmy Johnson’s Cowboys teams of the 90s.

The Browns aren’t too shabby either. In addition to juicing the already potent O with Stallworth, they traded for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to help shore up that side of the ball. After underachieving his last two year’s in Detroit, GM Matt Millen said, “If (Shaun) Rogers is healthy he’ll be the NFL defensive player of the year.” (Then why did you trade him for Leigh Bodden?  Because you’re Matt Millen and…you’re freaking Matt Millen.) Expect the Cowboys to look much sharper than they did all preseason and for Browns quarterback Derek Anderson to prove last year was no fluke. There’s a reason this eastern time zone game is at 1:15 p.m. instead of 10 a.m., because it could be an early season gem and there are fewer games to compete with nationally. Cowboys win 38-28.

Weather: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH. Scattered clouds, 77 degrees.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Jaguars (-3) at Titans (Sunday, 10:00 a.m. PST): The Jags unfortunate offseason got worse after the tragic shooting of tackle Richard Collier, who remains in critical condition. Moving forward will be difficult, but Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio says his team has to handle it. On the field, expectations are higher than ever for the Jags, who knocked off Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season. David Garrard has progressed as a leader and franchise quarterback, and thanks to Fred Taylor and former Bruin Maurice Jones-Drew, the offense is capable of destroying opponents on the ground. The duo helped Jacksonville rush for an AFC-best 149.4 yards per game in 2007.

Tennessee is coming off a playoff season as well. And the team added former Falcon Alge Crumpler to help aid Vince Young (whom appears to have regressed, failing to complete over 50% of his passes in any game this preseason) in the passing game. Former Trojan LenDale White (left) is reportedly more agile than last season, but rookie Chris Johnson will likely get a handful of carries against Jacksonville’s speedy, aggressive defense. Whether this game took place in week 17 or week one, it will ultimately impact both teams’ playoff fortunes. Young’s scrambling ability will be stifled by the Jags’ defensive pursuit, and they will rally around their injured teammate to a 16-10 win.

Weather: L.P. Field, Nashville TN. Sunny, 86 degrees.

MASOCHISTICALLY INTERESTING: Bengals at Ravens (-1) (Sunday, 10:00 a.m. PST): Aside from the obvious, these teams are bitter division rivals that have taken a nose-dive since last making the playoffs, this game pits a putrid offense (Baltimore) against one of last season’s worst statistical defenses (Cincy). Chad Ocho Cinco (yes, it’s official) says his injured shoulder is okay and Joe Flacco is a rookie QB starting on opening weekend (partly because Kyle Boller was shelved with a shoulder injury and Troy Smith was taking fluids intravenously at this time last week). More bad news for Baltimore: running back Willis McGahee is likely out, meaning rookie Ray Rice may get the start in his place. John Harbaugh, the Ravens’ new head coach, is making his NFL regular season debut, while Bengals head man Marvin Lewis is likely coaching for his job. Since Lewis finished 11-5 with an AFC North title in 2005, he is a combined 15-17.

In a move that could be to simply gather intelligence, the Ravens signed ex-Bengals tackle Willie Anderson to a three-year deal on Thursday. Neither of these teams are expected to top their division, so this game is particularly important to get an inter-divisional win. In the tiniest of upsets, the Bengals pull it out 24-9.

Weather: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore MD.  Sunny, 86 degrees.

Discuss: