It can't be, can it?

The New Orleans Saints are threatening to make the playoffs the hard way -- winning down the stretch when the games matter.

The Saints have two down with two to go.

Can they do it?

Well, they'll be at home against a Philadelphia team fresh off beating the Dallas Cowboys. But can the Eagles put two stout defensive efforts together back-to-back?

Then the Saints end the season in Chicago.

How about that? The Saints in cold Chicago needing a win to stay alive and possibly make the playoffs.

Last year would suggest this would be a stumbling block. But this isn't last year's Bears team.

They still need some help with the Vikings.

But the Saints' chances look a whole lot better than they did around Thanksgiving.