Snowy stage set for crucial game

12.15.2007

The snow has arrived.

By Sunday afternoon, maybe the Browns will have, too.

It's a playoff-type game with a possible playoff berth at stake Sunday when the Bills visit Cleveland Browns Stadium. The 8-5 Browns clinch a playoff berth win and a Tennessee loss in Kansas City. The 7-6 Bills would be all but out with a loss, but with a win would find themselves right in the thick of the race for the AFC's second Wildcard spot.

The Browns can't control anything but their own business, and that business figures to be affected by a snowstorm that began in Cleveland early Saturday afternoon. There are varying forecasts, but they all include snow, cold, and high winds.

Derek Anderson has enough arm to throw in such conditions, and he certainly has enough talented receivers to keep the Browns moving. If the weather makes it a run-first game, though, the Browns will look to Jamal Lewis while the Bills feel good about their one-two running punch of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, both of whom ran for more than 100 yards in last week's rout of the Dolphins.

The Bills keep finding ways to win despite having 13 players on injured-reserve. Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards has won four straight starts and the team as a whole has responded from an 0-3 start to win six of eight and place themselves in the playoff hunt.

It's safe to say that Edwards, who hails from Los Gatos, Cal., and attended Stanford, has never played in such weather. Two Bills who have -- and who are extra anxious for this game -- are Cleveland natives Lee Evans and Donte' Whitner, both of whom who will play as professionals in Cleveland for the first time.

Speaking of Cleveland natives, the Browns hope Joe Jurevicius (knee) will be available, but he's officially listed as questionable. Antwan Peek (ankle) is doubtful, while Eric Wright could return to the starting lineup after not playing in the last three games due to a knee injury.

Braylon Edwards enters the game with 13 touchdown catches, tied for the franchise single-season record. Kellen Winslow needs 57 receiving yards to record his first 1,000-yard season. Winslow and Edwards have combined for 2,049 receiving yards to this point.

Lewis, who will make his 100^th career start, ran for 124 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Jets.

TWO REMINDERS -- The Browns are encouraging fans to arrive early and to use the Northwest and Northeast entrances to avoid long lines. Also, fans are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate to Toys for Tots at each of the entrances.