Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Houston at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. ET

Skinny: The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting matchup against Houston. It's well documented that Pittsburgh struggles in pass protection and the Texans have one of the NFL's top young defensive ends in Mario Williams. So expect the Steelers to give Houston a heavy dose of tailbacks Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall to negate the Texans' pass rush. Then the Steelers can double-team Williams with an extra tight end or running back when necessary. Defensively Pittsburgh will try to pressure Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, who only has 13 career starts, to see what he's made of.

Prediction: Steelers 24-17

Why: This isn't an easy team for Pittsburgh. The Texans can rush the passer and have a group of receivers that can give the Steelers trouble on defense. But as long as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stays upright, he should have little trouble picking apart Houston's secondary. Head coach Mike Tomlin has an interesting task this weekend of keeping his team focused on Houston before a much-anticipated rivalry game against the Browns Sept. 14.

Dallas at Cleveland, 4:15 p.m. ET

Skinny: There might not be a more-hyped pair of football teams this year than the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys didn't win a playoff game in 2007 and the Browns didn't qualify for the postseason despite a 10-6 record. Yet most people pick these two teams to do serious damage in their respective conferences this season. It should be a good measuring-stick game for both teams. Dallas, with 13 returning Pro Bowlers, arguably has more talent than any team in the NFL. But Cleveland, with its seven Pro Bowlers, has enough depth to compete. The deciding factor in this game is which defense is able to slow down the other team's offense at crucial times.

Prediction: Cowboys 27-21

Why: I don't know what it is about season openers at home, but the Browns simply don't win them. Cleveland is 1-8 in home openers since returning to the NFL in 1999, which defies logic. What doesn't defy logic is the Cowboys are a matchup nightmare for Cleveland's defense. Dallas should have success both running and passing the ball down the field enough to keep a rowdy crowd at bay. Cleveland's offense will put up points, too, but just not enough.

Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET

Skinny: This division game is bigger than you think. Both teams have a lot of questions and are fragile right now after getting banged up and struggling in the preseason. The Ravens also have quarterback issues and will start rookie Joe Flacco in his first NFL game. Meanwhile, the Bengals' defense hasn't looked good and offensive cogs of quarterback Carson Palmer (broken nose), Chad Johnson (shoulder) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) haven't played together all preseason. Despite all these questions, the winner Sunday will suddenly feel a lot better about itself by being the only AFC North team with a division win, while the loser could spin further into turmoil.

Prediction: Ravens 16-14

Why: This is the most difficult pick in the AFC North this week, because both teams haven't shown much promise to date. It will simply be a matter of which club can suddenly turn it on Sunday. The Bengals' offensive timing might be off, at least early. Meanwhile, Flacco needs to make good decisions. Tailback Willis McGahee's possible return would be big for Baltimore, but it appears he will be a game-time decision. Either way this game won't be pretty. But when in doubt, we give a very small edge to the home team.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The 2008 regular season started Thursday night, but all four teams in the AFC North begin on Sunday. So with 48 hours remaining until the division kicks off its slate of games, let's see what's on the mind of ESPN.com readers.

As always, thanks for the questions and comments. You can send all feedback here.

Matt from Cary, NC writes: Hey James -- why did the Deltha O'Neal cut fly so far under the radar? Everyone is making a big deal about Rudi Johnson and Willie Anderson, but the one I saw that seemed odd was O'Neal. And what happened? He was snatched up by New England within a couple of days. As a Steeler Fan, I say, cut the whole team up, but geez... I wonder why Bengals fans aren't even remotely interested in this cut.

James Walker: Greetings, Matt. O'Neal's play had dropped off significantly since his playoff and Pro Bowl year in 2005 when he had 10 interceptions. Since then O'Neal had just two picks total in the 2006 and 2007. And with a solid pair of young corners in Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph, Cincinnati's brass saw him as an overpaid backup. The same, to a degree, was the way the Bengals viewed tackle Willie Anderson and tailback Rudi Johnson, who were likely heading in the same direction. The team saved approximately $9 million in salary between the three players.

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Will from Tampa writes: Is the Browns front office on vacation? Ricky Manning and Deltha O'Neal both got cut within the past week or so--how is it that neither ends up in Cleveland? The secondary has been terrible all preseason and could be the thing that holds the team back this year. How can they be considering an overpriced, well-past-his-prime Ty Law, but not make any attempt to grab either of these guys?

James Walker: Will, no one knows for sure if the Browns made an attempt at O'Neal or Manning Jr. But the biggest surprise for me was Cleveland didn't try to land former Denver Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth. The Atlanta Falcons gave up a seventh-round pick for Foxworth, which looks like a steal. He backed up Champ Bailey and Dre Bly in Denver and could have helped Cleveland's secondary immediately.

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Derick Young Casper, WY: JW, how have you been doin? I see you work late with some of these blogs, thanks. Question for you; Do you think, at all, that the current Steel Curtain is good as the guys from the mid 90's. Maybe we will have to wait and see but it looks good with Woodly, Timmons, Foote, Farrior, & the beast Harrison. Thanks again!

James Walker: Thanks for the kind words, Derick. From the phrasing of your question, I'm assuming your focus is on the linebackers. And I would give the mid-90s linebacker group of Kevin Green, Greg Lloyd, Lavon Kirkland and Chad Brown the edge right now. This year's group has some awfully young talent in Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley that still needs to be developed. I would even say James Harrison is a little raw as a second-year starter, despite making the Pro Bowl in 2007.

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Cory from Cincinnatti writes: I know that the bengals have had their legal issues but could we possibly win the division with what we have?Also could Chris Perry have a breakout year this year?

James Walker: Not many people feel the Bengals will win the division, Cory, and I'm one of them. I picked them to finish last in the AFC North because the team has a lot of holes, particularly on defense. Chris Perry has always shown that he can be a good player if he can stay healthy. But I'm still waiting for that to happen before I will vouch for him as a breakout player.

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Reader from Columbus Ohio writes: James, do you think Marvin Lewis and the Bengals brass are disappointed with their wide receiver draft picks or did they not expect them to contribute until late this yr or next yr?

James Walker: Disappointed may be too strong a word at this point because they're rookies that have yet to play in a regular-season game. But the team realizes neither player is ready to make the major impact. The Bengals really took a risk with Jerome Simpson. I talked to two NFL sources over the past three months about Simpson and neither had him rated as a second-round prospect, which is where the Bengals selected him. He may very well develop in time but he's been slow to adjust to the NFL game. Before his injury, Caldwell was doing a decent job, about what you would expect from a rookie third rounder. But both right now are inconsistent, and that's part of the reason they brought back Chris Henry in a controversial move.

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Will writes: James, I've been reading a lot about Santonio Holmes having a break out year. I'd like to see what you think about Nate Washington. I may be wrong but this looks to be his third year of playing in the league as well and he showed a good deal of promise later in the year last year. Now that he's the clear cut 3rd option at WR do you think we can expect a break out year from him as well compared to what he normally contributes?

James Walker: Good question Big Will. Washington was good enough to hold of rookie Limas Sweed for the No. 3 receiver job in training camp, which is a credit to Washington. He's always been solid but he has some physical limitations with his size and leaping ability that Sweed possesses. Washington will hold Sweed off for as long as he can, but eventually his time will come to take over the job once he learns the NFL game.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BEREA, Ohio -- Recently we caught up with Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson to discuss, among other things, his decade-long tenure with the team and what it's like to have an NFL rule named after him.

	Scott Cunningham/Getty Images
	Kicker Phil Dawson is the Cleveland Browns' longest tenured player, having been with the team since 1999.

1. Phil, you are the longest tenured Brown after joining the team in 1999. What is it like to be here everyday since the team's reinsertion to the league?

Phil Dawson: You know, every year it means a little bit more to me as I learn about the history of this organization and add more history for myself. I understand what the rivalries are all about now. I've been through the ups and downs, and with each year comes an increasing understanding of how special it is to be a Cleveland Brown. I just appreciate the opportunity and hope to live up to all the history people have established prior to me getting here.

2. What is it like to have your name attached to the "Phil Dawson" rule for replaying field goals after last year's two-doink kick against the Baltimore Ravens?

PD: I don't mind because that ball was counted as a good kick. Had it been ruled no good and they reviewed it in the offseason and felt they should've had the rule made before, then I would feel a lot worse. But I think it's pretty neat. It was a pretty memorable kick. People will talk about that one for a long time and to be a part of it, I'll enjoy it for a long time.

3. At this stage, in your 10^th season, how can you get better as a kicker?

PD: You're challenged each and every Sunday you go to Cleveland Browns Stadium and it never gets old. Every day is a new day down there and every kick is a challenging kick. So kicking here in Cleveland keeps you on your toes. So it really doesn't matter how long I've been here. I have to be ready for each and every opportunity. I can take some confidence in how I performed in the past, but at the same time I have to be ready that Sunday. That keeps it fresh. That keeps it new, looking to defeat the conditions every time.

4. What is it like to make a tackle? I'm sure you've had a few in your career.

PD: I've had a few and it's not much fun (laughs). It's obviously a physical mismatch when it gets to this point [in the NFL]. I played football growing up so it's not that I don't know how. But when you get to this level, those guys are superior athletes. So you just try to position yourself so that you can at least slow them down and feed them into the boundary, or so one of your teammates can come over and help. The main thing as a kicker is to get in proper position and go low. You have to go low.

5. As a University of Texas alum, how much trash-talking goes on in this locker room concerning college alma maters?

PD: Oh yeah, it's huge. That's one of the best things about an NFL locker room. Saturdays, it seems like there's always a couple big games where you got some alums in the locker room that are going against one another. Everybody is proud of where they came from, so it's a chance to get a one-up on your teammates. It's a lot of fun.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories in the AFC North:

• Pittsburgh city mayor Luke Ravenstahl is urging all city employees to wear black and gold Friday in support of the Steelers' season opener Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Morning take: This is further proof that few pro sports teams are woven into the city's fabric quite like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

• Cleveland Browns linebacker Antwan Peek went down with a season-ending knee injury, which means rookie seventh-round pick Alex Hall has a chance to step in.

Morning take: We've liked Alex Hall since minicamp. Now "Kamerion Wimbley-lite" gets a chance to show what he can do.

• Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson agreed to a three-year, $11 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens Thursday.

Morning take: Guess which team just received additional insight on Cincinnati's offense for Sunday's game?

• The NFL and Bengals say it's official: Introducing Chad Ocho Cinco.

Morning take: Win and produce, and Mr. 8-5 can do whatever he wants. Lose and play poorly, and there will be some finger-pointing his way after drawing so much attention.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Although it's possible, right tackle Willie Anderson likely won't suit up for the Baltimore Ravens Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. Anderson signed a three-year deal with Baltimore today, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton.

But rest assured Anderson will make an impact this weekend.

The 13-year veteran knows the ins and outs, check downs, audibles and personnel of the Bengals' high-powered offense. If you don't think rookie head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan won't pick Anderson's brain this week, you're sadly mistaken.

The Ravens know a lot from film study, which is the way most teams learn opponents. But Anderson will be able to provide a level of understanding that no one in that Ravens' building currently has -- until now.

For many years Anderson was the glue of Cincinnati's offense. He may even know part of the gameplan as teams usually begin preparing for its first opponent in training camp.

In Cincinnati, the Bengals should be shaking their heads right now. Not because they will face Anderson Sunday, but because they will face a team that has all the knowledge on the Bengals that Anderson possesses.

With Baltimore's young offensive line, eventually Anderson should crack the starting lineup. With his experience and playing ability when healthy, he is an upgrade over both young tackles Adam Terry and Jared Gaither.

But Anderson's revenge towards the Bengals likely won't take place on the field until their second meeting Nov. 30. Right now, and over the next 72 hours, it's all about Anderson giving his new team a mental edge in this AFC North rivalry game to start the regular season.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Credit Chad Ocho Cinco for staying one step ahead of the NFL.

For the past couple years, he's wanted to wear "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his jersey without penalty and now he can.

The Cincinnati Bengals' Pro Bowl receiver had a legal name change in his home state of Florida last week. On Thursday the NFL and the Bengals recognized the change.

But the Bengals' finish this season will determine whether this stunt is perceived as either silly or sly.

If the team is playoff bound in December, Ocho Cinco will no doubt be one of the talks of the league. If the team finishes 4-12, no one will be laughing unless it's at Ocho Cinco and the entire Bengals organization.

It's really up to Mr. 8-5 and his teammates.

So far Ocho Cinco, who is 30, has just uno winning season during his siete-year career.

He's a tremendous player with tremendous talent. But you start to wonder at this point if he will be remembered more for his ability or his antics. Both are extraordinary.

Last season Ocho Cinco was viewed as a disturbance to his team, which was probably overblown. But when these types of stunts are pulled, right or wrong, it makes him an easy target when things go awry.

There's a fine line between being an attraction and a distraction, and with his flamboyant personality the receiver walks that tightrope everyday with the Bengals.

Winning or losing will ultimately determine which category Chad Ocho Cinco falls into this season.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Earlier this week, the hard-working staff at ESPN.com picked eight breakout players -- one for each division -- in the NFL for the 2008 season. One of those players is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes from the AFC North, who is looking for the first 1,000-yard season of his career.

But Holmes isn't the only player in the division looking to make a name for himself this season.

In no particular order, here are five additional candidates:

1. Haloti Ngata, DT, Baltimore Ravens

Why: Ngata has more than doubled his tackle numbers and tripled his sack numbers from 2006 to last season. So there is no reason to believe the ceiling is still high for this former first-round draft pick. Ngata has the important responsibility of keeping offensive linemen off linebackers Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott. He's done a great job of that his first two years.

2. Johnathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Why: Joseph gets his hands on a lot of balls and has the potential to be one of the best cover corners in the division. He had four interceptions last year while playing on an awful defense. If the Bengals are able to improve defensively, particularly against the run, Joseph should put up bigger numbers.

3. Lawrence Timmons, ILB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Why: Both Timmons and teammate LaMarr Woodley are looking for breakout seasons in Pittsburgh. But Timmons has flashed the most ability in training camp and the preseason. Timmons is a bruising hitter that fits in well with Pittsburgh's physical style of defense. He will push Larry Foote all year for a starting job at middle linebacker.

4. Kamerion Wimbley, OLB, Cleveland Browns

Why: Wimbley finally has some help up front with the additions of defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. That should mean less double teams and more free space to get to the quarterback, which is what Wimbley does best. He has 16 sacks in his first two NFL seasons.

5. Stacy Andrews, OT, Cincinnati Bengals

Why: At 6-foot-7, 342 pounds, Andrews has always had the physical tools. But now in his fifth season he is finally starting to get the NFL game mentally and develop solid technique. So much is the case that Andrews has unseated long-time stalwart Willie Anderson at right tackle in training camp. The Bengals are high on Andrews' potential in 2008 and rightfully so.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Rivers

Cincinnati Bengals rookie first-round pick Keith Rivers wants to make a last-minute number change before Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, two sources have confirmed.

Rivers wants to change his No. 58 jersey to No. 55 -- his college number at USC -- after former teammate Ahmad Brooks was released by Cincinnati over the weekend. Rivers has until the end of the business day Thursday to make a decision and report it to the league, or he will be forced to stick with his original number for the remainder of the 2008 season.

One source said the holdup is with Rivers' marketing deal with Reebok, in which No. 58 Bengals jerseys were already printed for the season. Therefore Rivers would have to pay a fee to the company if the jerseys become obsolete. The source estimated that cost to be "roughly $10,000."

Another source said Rivers definitely wants to change his number before Sunday's game but wasn't aware of why there was a holdup.

The Bengals took Rivers with the No. 9 overall pick in April's NFL draft. He will make his first career start Sunday in Baltimore.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

	AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
	The Browns drafted Brady Quinn in 2007 with a draft pick acquired in a trade with the Cowboys.

BEREA, Ohio -- A year ago, the Dallas Cowboys thought they had a top 5 pick on their hands, courtesy of the Cleveland Browns.

Also a year ago, the Browns thought they had their franchise quarterback in first-rounder Brady Quinn, courtesy of the Cowboys.

Neither turned out as well as each team had anticipated.

So who got the better of the deal?

Dallas owner Jerry Jones and Cleveland general manager Phil Savage both agreed to a risky trade during the 2007 draft, shipping the Cowboys' first-rounder that year to the Browns for Cleveland's 2008 first-round pick and a second-round pick in 2007.

Jones was thinking of a running back from his alma mater in Arkansas: Darren McFadden. But the Browns thwarted those plans with a surprising 10-6 season, and Jones had to settle for another Razorback in Felix Jones with the No. 22 overall pick.

Savage was thinking he had the new face of his team in Brady Quinn. But quarterback Derek Anderson thwarted those plans with a surprising Pro Bowl season, and Quinn is holding a clipboard for the second consecutive year.

Quinn likely will start for someone soon. But whether it happens in Cleveland depends on how well Anderson performs in his second full season as a starter. Jones will not start in Dallas anytime soon because of tailback Marion Barber, but the rookie will at least receive playing time, starting with Sunday's game against the Browns.

We can also further tip the scales in Dallas' favor if you throw in the Cowboys trading Cleveland's second pick to a third party -- the Philadelphia Eagles -- to move into the first round and get linebacker Anthony Spencer, who is another backup.

Since both players see the field, the Cowboys are getting a little more in return right now. But we will reserve judgment until we see if Quinn turns out to be Cleveland's franchise quarterback down the road.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Peek

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Antwan Peek blew out his right knee in practice Wednesday and will be out for the 2008 season, head coach Romeo Crennel said. Peek will be put on injured reserve Thursday.

Peek was running down the field in practice, planted and tore his right patellar tendon. He will have surgery today.

"He had the feeling that it was something major," Crennel said of Peek. "He was disappointed."

To replace Peek, Cleveland signed linebacker Shantee Orr, who was cut by the Browns last week. Orr already knows the defense after spending the entire summer with the team.

The Browns open the 2008 season with a high-profile matchup this week against the Dallas Cowboys.

"In this business guys get hurt," Crennel said Thursday. "But guys understand we have to move forward because we have a game to play on Sunday."

	US Presswire
	Ray Lewis, left, has advised Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson, right, through a tumultuous offseason.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis is a mentor to a lot of NFL players in and out of the Baltimore Ravens' locker room.

One of those players is Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson, whom Lewis consoled during a tumultuous offseason that included numerous trade requests, right ankle surgery, and demands for a new contract.

After a series of public explosions, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, a former defensive coordinator in Baltimore, urged Ray Lewis to counsel Johnson -- who legally changed his name to "Ocho Cinco" last week.

Whatever Ray Lewis told Johnson has worked, as the Bengals' receiver says he is now "super, extra focused" on football and the 2008 regular season.

"What I told him is just whatever you have going on, think of God," Ray Lewis told reporters in Baltimore this week. "Let God deal with that. Just understand that you're a role model for so many people. So many young kids want to be in the position you're in. They want to follow Chad Johnson."

Ironically, both stars will face off in a big AFC North battle when the Ravens host the Bengals on Sunday. Both teams struggled in the preseason and could use a division win to jump-start its season.

Both players want to be at the top of their game when they face off Sunday. When asked if he had any regrets about helping a division rival, particularly before the season opener, Ray Lewis said he didn't mind helping Johnson get to this point.

"No, not really, because he's a friend," Ray Lewis said. "You don't care about wins and losses when it comes down to brotherhood and competition. That's why I love when we play against Chad Johnson and play against those guys like that, because you're going to get their best, and that's why you play the game."

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The Baltimore Ravens added helped for their thin secondary Thursday in signing former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Evan Oglesby.

The third-year defensive back was released by Dallas earlier this week. The Ravens needed more depth at the position as nickelback Fabian Washington is suspended for the first game of the regular season versus the Cincinnati Bengals.

To make room for the move, Baltimore released cornerback Anwar Phillips.

Posed by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories currently in the AFC North:

• The biggest concern in Pittsburgh this week is if the Houston Texans, particularly stud defensive end Mario Williams, will get to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Morning take: Based on the numbers, it's a pretty good chance Roethlisberger will take some shots from the Texans' defense Sunday. The bigger questions are how hard and how many?

• Cincinnati Bengals fullback Jeremi Johnson was put on injured reserve Wednesday after suffering a knee injury earlier this week.

Morning take: We see this happen all the time. A player comes to training camp out of shape or holds out, and the first thing that happens upon their return is the player gets hurt. Johnson spent the entire summer trying to cut weight then couldn't make it through the first practice.

• We are wondering if the Cleveland Browns' secondary has a chance of stopping Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens?

Morning take: Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald and safety Sean Jones seem confident that the secondary can get the job done. Yet just about everyone outside the locker room is taking a wait-and-see approach.

• In the second major roster move Wednesday, the Baltimore Ravens put quarterback Kyle Boller (shoulder) on injured reserve, knocking him out for the season.

Morning take: This likely signals the end of the "Kyle Boller era" in Baltimore. What's ironic is it happens the same week the "Joe Flacco era" begins.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns second-year cornerback Brandon McDonald knew this day was coming.

	James D. Smith/Icon SMI
	Defending Dallas WR Terrell Owens will present a challenge to the Browns' young cornerbacks.

When the NFL released its 2008 schedule back in April, McDonald not only saw the Dallas Cowboys looming in the season opener, but he saw a high-profile matchup against Pro Bowl receiver Terrell Owens coming to town in the months to come.

Now that week is finally upon McDonald and the rest of Cleveland's secondary, which has been much-maligned for its lack of size and inexperience this offseason.

McDonald, entering his first full year as a starter, instantly began gathering and watching film of Owens in anticipation for this battle with arguably the most complete receiver in NFL.

"I knew I had to be ready," McDonald said today. "I started studying right away in OTAs (organized team activities). I've been trying to watch film on him a little every day after practice. I've been watching him for a while, so I think I'm well prepared."

The Browns will start a pair of second-year cornerbacks in McDonald and Eric Wright Sunday against Dallas. Both players have shown flashes as rookies, but many are wondering if the pair are good enough to lead a team that's expected to contend for a division title.

Cleveland's secondary has struggled in the preseason with giving up too many big plays. It seems like a natural point of emphasis for Dallas' high-powered offense to exploit.

"We have to go out and take advantage of the opportunities whether it's a mismatch or not," Owens said in a teleconference Wednesday with the Cleveland media. "With every game presents a challenge in itself. It's not a matter of taking advantage of them being young corners or inexperienced corners. If they're in the National Football League, they can play at this level. So obviously if they're starting the coaches see something in them."

McDonald and Wright won't be alone. Browns starting safety Sean Jones says it's vital that the pair have enough help over the top to help Cleveland's young corners neutralize Owens.

That's player code for "expect a lot of double coverage."

"We have to know where he is at all times, and definitely keep somebody on top of him at all times," Jones said. "If we can keep the running game under control, it going to be a little easier for (the secondary) to stop (Owens)."

Jones brings up another concern for the Browns.

Led by running back Marion Barber, Dallas also should have the advantage against Cleveland's run defense, which was ranked No. 27 last year in rushing yards allowed. Not many teams match up well against Dallas' offense in general, and the Browns certainly don't.

The Cowboys have 13 Pro Bowlers returning from last season, are Super Bowl contenders, and are ranked No. 3 in ESPN.com's most recent power rankings.

"I think it's one of the most talented teams I've played on," Owens said. "I can't discount the fact that I played on the same field as Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Merton Hanks, Tim McDonald, Dana Stubblefield and Ken Norton (in San Francisco). So if you compare those guys with the guys we got in this locker room, those guys I just mentioned have won Super Bowls, and we're on a quest to try to win our first one."

Although on paper Owens vs. the Browns secondary appears to be a mismatch, McDonald says he, too, will be ready for Sunday.

"I'm looking for every challenge I can get," McDonald said. "The bigger names I can go against and maintain with them, and stop them even, I'm trying to get all I can get. I'm not shying away from any challenge and I'm not going to back down from the guy. I'm going to do what I do, and he's going to do what he does, and we'll definitely see who's going to win."