Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
After a 10-6 season in 2007, the Cleveland Browns have arrived in the eyes of the NFL's schedule makers. But the Browns will have to prove on the field that they are ready to be considered among the league's elite -- and it won't be easy.
Two tough games to open the season against the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers will let Cleveland know right away where it stands. A 2-0 start could draw early whispers of a Super Bowl contender, while an 0-2 start could make the rest of the season tough sledding.
Then the Browns have four road games over the next five weeks, which include games at the Baltimore Ravens, at the Cincinnati Bengals, home against the New York Giants, at the Washington Redskins and at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Considering all that travel, this could be Cleveland's toughest stretch of the season.
Cleveland hasn't made the playoffs since 2002. But with double-digit victories last year and a wealth of young talent that includes quarterback Derek Anderson, tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. and receiver Braylon Edwards, many are eager to see what the Browns will do for an encore.
The Browns should be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, which is a major reason why they have five prime-time games.
