PHILADELPHIA — Some fans will taunt him with prescription bottles. Others will wave derogatory signs. Many will chant: "O.D! O.D! O.D!" Most will scream expletives and boo.

Terrell Owens is ready.

After months of anticipation and a week filled with nauseating hype, it's finally time for T.O.'s homecoming. The Super Bowl might not get this much attention.

"I'm probably the most hated guy coming into Philly this weekend, so I expect the worst," Owens said. "That's how passionate they are. When I was there, they were loving me. Now that I'm on the opposite side, they're going to be hating me. I expect that going in."

Owens returns to Philadelphia today to play against the Eagles for the first time since he got kicked off the team last November, was released in March and signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The fact he now plays for the bitter rival only fuels the venom.

"I'm pretty sure they're going to be heckling me the whole game," Owens said. "There's no way to ignore it or get away from it unless you close your eyes to it. I'm not going to let them distract me. I'll let it go in one ear and out the other."

From the minute Owens inked a three-year, $25 million contract with the Cowboys just days after he was cut by the Eagles, this game was circled on his calendar.

Owens helped Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl in his first year with the Eagles in 2004, but he was unceremoniously dumped seven games into last season following a series of infractions, including repeated criticism of quarterback Donovan McNabb and the organization.

Both Owens and McNabb took thinly veiled shots at each other this week, but neither made outrageous comments like in the past. McNabb even said he reached out to Owens last week by sending a text message to offer prayers and support after the star receiver's hospital trip was reported as an attempted suicide.

Owens said he never received McNabb's message. Maybe the two will meet at midfield, shake hands and hug. It would be the most-watched reunion since Kobe and Shaq made up.

"If we shake hands, high-five, chest-bump, whatever, you guys will talk about that," McNabb said. "I've been past that whole issue. The situation is over. I've moved on. My focus is on what we do as a unit here. And if we don't talk, then I'm sure you guys will talk about that, as well. So, when we get out there on that field, I'll be warming up just like I normally would. I'm getting my guys ready so that we can go out and try to have a good game."

Lost in the circus atmosphere surrounding T.O.'s return to Philly is the game itself. This is an important matchup involving the top two teams in the NFC East.

The Eagles (3-1) have won three games by a double-digit margin, though they've beaten teams that are 3-9 combined. Dallas (2-1) is coming off a 45-14 rout over Tennessee that followed a bye. The Eagles have lost seven straight division games, including a 30-24 overtime defeat at home against the New York Giants in Week 2.

Philadelphia's last victory in the division came against Dallas on Dec. 19, 2004. In that game, Owens severely sprained his ankle and broke his fibula when he was dragged down from behind by Cowboys safety Roy Williams. Owens valiantly returned for the Super Bowl after missing two playoff games, but his relationship with the team rapidly deteriorated soon after the loss to New England.

Owens and Williams are teammates now. Each player could have a major role in helping the Cowboys beat Philadelphia.

"On the offensive side, they're very good. On the defensive side, they're very physical," Owens said. "They fly around. I know those guys. I know they're going to be up for this game."

From the head coaches to the players to the ballboys, everyone on both sides has stressed the importance of focusing on the opponent instead of letting the hoopla become a distraction. Even Owens tried to downplay it, saying this was "like any other week."

For sure, T.O. knows that isn't the case. After all, this is Philly and they certainly know how to hold a grudge around here.

Before the Eagles played Green Bay on Monday night, fans already were gearing up for Owens and the Cowboys. Tailgaters sang their derisive chants in the parking lot and inside they displayed clever signs in front of television cameras.

Last year, fans held a mock funeral for Owens after he was banished from the team for good. Coincidentally, it happened before the Eagles played — who else? — the Cowboys in a Monday night game.

Fans burned T.O.'s No. 81 jersey and buried the remains in a casket. A few hours later, the Cowboys killed the Eagles' season with a stunning 21-20 victory when Williams intercepted a poorly thrown pass from McNabb and ran it back 46 yards for a touchdown with 2:43 left. McNabb reinjured himself on the play and missed the final seven games after having surgery for a sports hernia.

McNabb has come a long way since that night, and he's off to an outstanding start with 1,248 yards passing, nine touchdowns, only one interception and a passer rating of 106.0.

As for Owens, he's still the same old T.O.