Prime time’s new players

Cleveland will play five nationally televised games next season.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL thinks the Browns are ready for prime time again.

After being left out of the league’s marquee contests for years, the Browns will play in five nationally televised games — three Monday night games, a Sunday night game and a Thursday night game.

Three of those games will be at home. The Browns play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sept. 14, the New York Giants Oct. 13 and the Denver Broncos Nov. 6.

“We are excited for our fans, the City of Cleveland and the Browns organization that we will have the opportunity to be showcased in front of a national audience on several occasions,” Browns coach Romeo Crennel said in a statement.

The Browns also will play Monday night at Buffalo Nov. 17 and Philadelphia Dec. 15.

Cleveland’s last appearance on Monday Night Football was a home loss to St. Louis in 2003. But a 10-win season and a high-powered offense led by quarterback Derek Anderson has put the Browns back in the spotlight.

The Browns will open at home for the 10th straight season, facing off against the Dallas Cowboys, who will make their first trip to Cleveland since 1991.

Cleveland’s slate is much tougher than the last-place schedule it had last season. Counting the record of each division rival twice, the Browns’ 2008 opponents had a record of 140-116 (.547) last season.

Seven of the 13 teams reached the playoffs, including the defending Super Bowl champion Giants. The Browns have a bye in Week 5, which will give them two weeks to prepare for New York in a Monday night game in Week 6.

Only four opponents had sub-.500 records last season — Baltimore, Cincinnati, Buffalo and Denver.

“Our schedule presents us with many challenges against a number of talented teams, however we will continue to work hard throughout the offseason to prepare for the 2008 season,” Crennel said.

The Browns will save on their travel budget with no West Coast games. Their longest road trips are to Tennessee and Jacksonville.

The regular season ends Dec. 28 at Pittsburgh where the Browns haven’t won since 2003.