The big story leading up to this Sunday's Philadelphia Eagles-Cleveland Browns match up has been the ongoing and somewhat ridiculous feud between former teammates Terrell Owens and Jeff Garcia. However, this is an important match up for both teams as they move towards the stretch run.

Terrell Owens is coming off three straight 100-yard performances and his continued war of words with Jeff Garcia this week has made headlines. As we have seen throughout his career, T.O. seems to use the controversy to drive him, which was evident in last Sunday's game where he scorched Ricky Manning for two-long pass plays after trading jabs during the week.

However, this week Owens and Garcia will not be on the field at the same time and with the defenses they are playing, neither is likely to have a big day.

The Eagles are looking to match their franchise best start of 6-0 (1981), however, outside of T.O.'s performances and an abundance of points last Sunday, the Eagles offense has sputtered the last two games.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb?s completion percentage has plummeted and Freddie Mitchell and L.J. Smith have disappeared from the offense. All of these players will need to step it up this week against a good Cleveland defense. Smith is, reportedly, completely recovered from his shoulder injury and should have some opportunities if he is matched up with aging Browns safety Robert Griffith.

Defensively, the Eagles have been solid. Cornerback Lito Sheppard had a huge game against Carolina and no one is now questioning the decision to let Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor go. Look for second year defensive tackle Sam Rayburn to see more snaps as the Eagles are disappointed in Darwin Walker?s play this season.

Special teams ace and fan favorite Jeremiah Trotter may make his first start at middle linebacker since returning to Philly in place of injured Mark Simoneau (foot). The key for the defense will be limiting the ground attack of William Greene and Lee Suggs and not allowing the underneath routes by the receivers to turn into big gains.

For head coach Butch Davis and the Browns, who sit at a tenuos 3-3, this is a key game. If they beat the Eagles, they will be right in the thick of the playoff chase. But, if they lose, they will find themselves 2-1/2 games behind a very good Pittsburgh team and Davis will --offfically -- be on the on the hot seat.

Garcia will have a new weapon in Antonio Bryant, acquired this week from Dallas. In addition, the Browns will continue to rely heavily on their new 1-2 punch at running back in Green and Suggs.

Defensively, the Browns have been very good this season. Cornerback Anthony Henry has three interceptions and defensive end Kenard Lang has four sacks. The Browns would be smart to mirror the rolling coverage scheme used by Carolina in the second half last week to contain T.O. and force McNabb to find other options.

Davis and the Browns need this game more than Philly, however, talent-wise, the Eagles clearly have the edge and should make enough plays to win.

I expect an Eagles win, but I don?t think this one will be by 10 points or more.

My prediction: Eagles 21, Cleveland 16