(My Sportsbook) - The New Orleans Saints will take their second shot at securing a postseason berth this Sunday when they battle the lowly Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

New Orleans missed out on its first chance at clinching a playoff berth last week, dropping a 32-31 home decision to Minnesota. The Saints have now lost three of their last five games overall. Luckily, New Orleans can still get into the playoffs this week with a win and either a New York Giants or Atlanta Falcons loss. The Saints could even back their way into the postseason with a tie and a Giants defeat.

"You want to get in; everyone wants to get into the tournament," Saints head coach Jim Haslett said. "That is what it is all about. That is why you work all year is to get a chance to get in it.

"If we get into it, then we will play well. Our guys know that we backed ourselves a little bit into a corner. We will come out of it. We will be fine. For some reason we play better when we face adversity."

The problem for the Saints has not been its offense, which leads the NFC in scoring (29.5 ypg). Despite recent shoulder troubles, QB Aaron Brooks has managed to throw for 3,224 yards, 26 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions this season. Brooks has the Saints ranked sixth in the NFC in passing, posting 224.2 yards per affair through the air.

Last week, Brooks was very successful against the Vikings, completing 21-of-33 attempts for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Brooks has thrown for five touchdowns and no interceptions over the past three games.

New Orleans will need Brooks to continue his top notch play to help it balance out the lack of effectiveness of the defense. Brooks must have the continued high level of play from his top receivers, including Joe Horn, Jerome Pathon and veteran Jake Reed.

Reed caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown versus the Vikings last week. The 12-year veteran's experience is helping the Saints receiving corps as a whole.

"It's not anything I haven't done before," he said. "My experience helps me make plays when I'm called off the bench or when my number is called even though I haven't had many opportunities."

The Saints are no slouch in the running game with the NFC's leading rusher Deuce McAllister in the backfield. McAllister has tallied 1,245 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, while catching 45 balls for 342 yards and three scores. In recent weeks, McAllister, who is one rushing touchdown short of Dalton Hilliard's club record, has done all his damage despite a high ankle sprain.

McAllister saw limited touches last week, garnering 69 yards on 18 attempts. He needs only 55 yards in this contest to become just the third New Orleans back to rush for 1,300 yards (George Rogers, Rueben Mayes). Look for the Saints to give McAllister at least 20 carries in the contest.

COMING UP: New Orleans finishes up the regular season at home against Carolina.