GAME 9: DENVER

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Another prime-time game at Cleveland Browns Stadium; Browns fans are going to be spoiled after this season. This contest is a Thursday night affair on the NFL Network, so not everyone is going to be able to watch what should be a Browns victory.

I'm not sure what to think about the Broncos. I think Mike Shanahan is nearing the end of his reign in Denver, and rightly so. He really hasn't done a whole lot since John Elway retired, including misplacing his trust in Jake Plummer. Jay Cutler might be the real deal, but I just don't see a whole lot of help for him in the Mile High City. I don't think they can keep plugging in mediocre running backs into that system and succeeding. Michael Pittman hasn't done a thing since he was the starting tailback for the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers in 2003, and Selvin Young is unproven at this point. Their top wideout, Brandon Marshall, was injured and missed the Broncos' offseason activities after supposedly falling into an entertainment center while wrestling around with family members. Marshall's rap sheet also includes charges of domestic violence and a DUI. Who knows if the Broncos can count on him? Their only move to shore up a terrible run defense was to acquire underachieving defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson from the Jets. Needless to say, I see a lot of problems in Denver.

With the schedule as difficult as it is, this is a game the Browns have to win. They should be able to run the ball with Jamal Lewis, and their defense should be able to contain what I think will be a very pedestrian Denver offense.

FINAL SCORE: 27-10, Browns

GAME 10: at BUFFALO

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Bills fans are still moaning about losing that game played in blizzard-like conditions in Cleveland last season. The loss put the Bills out of playoff contention, a place they weren't expected to be anyway. So for that, Buffalo and head coach Dick Jauron should be commended.

Can they continue their upward progress in 2008? This is another team dealing with a star offensive player getting in trouble with the law. Running back Marshawn Lynch was involved in a bizarre hit-and-run accident with his SUV that is yet to be resolved. On the bright side, the Bills' passing game should be better with second-year quarterback Trent Edwards seemingly settling into the role. I loved the drafting of former Indiana receiver James Hardy, which gives Edwards another big target along with speedsters Lee Evans and Josh Reed. The defense was also bolstered with the trade for big defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and the drafting of cornerback Leodis McKelvin. I believe this is going to be a solid Bills team, and they should improve on their 7-9 record from 2007.

This is going to be a tough game in what figures to be difficult conditions in Buffalo. It's also a Monday night game, so the Bills' fans will be fired up. This game probably will come down to who runs the ball better, and as long as Lynch is on the field, I give the edge to Buffalo.

FINAL SCORE: 21-20, Buffalo

GAME 11: HOUSTON

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: This is another game the Browns have to win given their schedule, but it won't be easy. Houston continues to make strides under third-year head coach Gary Kubiak, finishing 8-8 last year for the franchise's first non-losing season. The Texans have built a strong defense, led by Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. Second-year defensive tackle Amobi Okoye could have a breakout season.

But the question marks for Houston continue to be on offense. With the drafting of tackle Duane Brown, is the offensive line finally going to be at least respectable? Can Matt Schaub or Sage Rosenfels take control at quarterback? And probably the biggest question: Who the heck is going to run the ball? Not a lot of strong candidates with aging Ahman Green and Chris Brown, and rookie Steve Slaton seems to be more of a third-down back than a feature back. To me, there are just too many question marks to consider the Texans serious playoff contenders.

While scoring could be a problem against a stout Houston defense, the Browns' defense should be able to have their way with the Texans' offense. I see Cleveland just scoring enough to win a low-scoring affair.

FINAL SCORE: 17-10, Browns

GAME 12: INDIANAPOLIS

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Most Browns fans will want payback in this one after Tony Dungy let Tennessee run all over his backups in the last game of the 2007 regular season, which allowed the Titans to gain the sixth playoff spot over Cleveland. Browns fans would have crucified Romeo Crennel if he was in the same situation and didn't do what Dungy did, but that's a different topic for a different day.

The Colts are still going to be a difficult offense to deal with in 2008, and the return of a healthy Dwight Freeney will bolster an already strong defense. I also believe Anthony Gonzalez will have a breakout season in his second year, and running back Joseph Addai should only get better.

This game is going to come down to the Browns being able to move the ball and score some points, because there is no way Cleveland's defense can shut down the high-powered Colts attack. No one can. Can Derek Anderson, or possibly Brady Quinn by this time, limit his mistakes and keep pace with Peyton Manning? It should be an extremely fun game to watch. I like the Colts to score a little more than the Browns.

FINAL SCORE: 34-28, Colts

Coming up next week: games 13-16.