Previewing this afternoon’s games

Dallas at Cleveland

Weather: Partly cloudy, 71

Prognosis: Most “experts” are panning the Browns this season, saying they’re due to come back down to earth. At the end of the season, they may not make the playoffs, but they’re not going to be terrible. Expect a shootout with Dallas’ experience the edge.

Score Cowboys 34, Browns 30

Stars Derek Anderson, Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten, Kellen Winslow, Nick Folk, Phil Dawson

Carolina at San Diego

Weather: Sunny, 80

Prognosis: These are two very good teams with Super Bowl aspirations. The cross country flight plus Steve Smith’s absence will hurt the Panthers, but what can the Chargers expect from Shawn Merriman. I say the Chargers take it to Carolina and make a statement in the process.

Score Chargers 27, Panthers 17

Stars LaDainian Tomlinson, Chris Chambers, Muhsin Muhammad, Jonathan Stewart, Nate Kaeding, Chargers D

Arizona at San Francisco

Weather: Sunny, 70

Prognosis: What can we expect from Mike Martz’s offense in San Fran. Probably not much in Week 1. Not that Arizona is great on the defensive side of the ball, but the 49ers are going to take some time to get used to this new wild offense. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are just getting used to Ken Whisenhunt and feel like their in good hands with Kurt Warner. Expect the Cards to roll.

Score Cardinals 31, 49ers 13

Stars Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Cardinals’ D, Frank Gore