Can the Titans improve upon last season's effort? There are still not a whole lot of playmakers for Vince Young to find, though they did pick up Alge Crumpler, who should be a nice target for Young to hit when he's rolling out of the pocket. But their top three wideouts are Justin Gage, Roydell Williams and Justin McCariens. None of those guys are going to stretch the defense and give Young a deep threat. And what about Young? Is he going to be an elite quarterback in the NFL? I've always been a big believer in him. The guy is a winner and a leader, but he needs to continue to show growth in this his third year. It's going to be hard throwing to those wide receivers.

The Titans' running game should be good with LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson, and they will probably try to establish that against the Browns. If Cleveland can contain Tennessee on the ground, they should be able to win the game. The Titans' defense will be strong once again, but they are going to have trouble scoring points in my opinion. I think the Browns score just enough to win this game.

FINAL SCORE: 17-10, Browns

GAME 14: at PHILADELPHIA

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Another Monday night game for the Browns, and this could be the toughest test of the three. The Eagles won their last three games last season to finish 8-8, and this might be Donovan McNabb's last chance to be a big winner in Philadelphia.

There are question marks in Philadelphia. McNabb has the same problem Vince Young has: To whom will he throw the ball? While Kevin Curtis is a solid receiver, but he is not a No. 1 guy. Reggie Brown is also not a top receiver, and rookie DeSean Jackson probably won't develop into a big-time target. The one year the Eagles had a top-flight receiver for McNabb - Terrell Owens -- they went to the Super Bowl. That's probably no coincidence.

Despite the wideout issues, Brian Westbrook is one of the best running backs in the league and the Eagles' defense should be even better with the addition of Asante Samuel. While it will be tough competition in the loaded NFC East, I think the Eagles can return to the playoffs.

If the Browns can contain Westbrook, they probably win the game. But that's easier said than done. Not only is he a force on the ground, but he's also a terrific receiver. Derek Anderson also might find it tough to throw against a terrific secondary featuring Samuel, Brian Dawkins and possibly Lito Sheppard if they can get his contract situation worked out. Combine that with what should be an amped-up Philadephia crowd, and I'll go with the Eagles.

FINAL SCORE: 24-17, Eagles

GAME 15: CINCINNATI

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: This is another game the Browns are going to have to win to have any chance at making the playoffs. I discussed the Bengals in my first blog, so I won't talk much more about them here. It will be interesting to see if they are indeed still in the AFC North race at this point in the season. I don't see it, but you never know in today's NFL.

This could be another high-scoring game, but I don't think the Bengals have the defense to stop the Browns enough to win as long as Anderson doesn't beat himself as he did last season against Cincinnati. Jamal Lewis should be able to run the ball effectively as well. I'll go with the Browns to set up a showdown in Pittsburgh.

FINAL SCORE: 31-20, Browns

GAME 16: at PITTSBURGH

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: This game could decide the AFC North champion and a playoff berth, and once again I have to give the edge to the Steelers. The Browns have yet to find an answer for Ben Roethlisberger since he was drafted by Pittsburgh, and until they do they won't be victorious against their rivals.

Lewis has to be effective running the ball for the Browns to beat the Steelers, and I have some major concerns about him this season. Most fans are just assuming that he will have the same kind of season as he did last year, but that is a major assumption. He will turn 29 before the season starts, which is usually nearing the breaking point for NFL running backs. He also was in a contract year last season, and as Phil Savage said last season, "A hungry Jamal is a good Jamal." So will he be hungry again this season? The even bigger question: What happens if he gets hurt? That would be a disaster for the Browns. While Jason Wright is a solid backup, he certainly is not a feature back. Keep an eye on the running back situation for the Browns this season, it could be a bigger issue than people think.

I think the Steelers will stop the Browns' running game, and establish their own ground game with Willie Parker and rookie Rashard Mendenhall. Until Cleveland proves they can beat Pittsburgh, I'll have to go with the Steelers.

FINAL SCORE: 20-10, Steelers

So there you have it: an 8-8 season and another season watching the playoffs at home. But remember, teams often have to take a step back before they take a step forward. I still believe the future is bright in Cleveland, but with the schedule the way it is this season, I think 2009 might be the Browns breakout season as opposed to 2008.