With defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams expected to be suspended for the last four games for violating the league's steroids policy, the Vikings are going to have a tough time winning out. Even if the Williamses somehow are spared, it will be difficult for the Vikings to win all of their remaining games.

But enough about the Vikings for now. The more pressing issue is whether the Bears have what it takes to close out the season strong. Judging from what we saw Sunday night, there's little reason for fans to invest any more of their heart in this team.

At the same time, the playoffs are within reach. Take a look at the Bears' schedule the rest of the way. They play the Jaguars, Saints and Packers at home and the Texans on the road. These are four games the Bears should be able to win. If this crazy season is to mean anything, these are four games the Bears will win.

I know what many of you are thinking: After 12 games, the Bears have shown us exactly what they are. They're a .500 team. This team doesn't deserve to make the playoffs. In perhaps its two biggest games to date, at Green Bay two weeks ago and at Minnesota on Sunday, the Bears could do little right.

This is a team that can't punch the ball into the end zone on first-and-goal at the 1. This is a team that seldom gets any pressure on the quarterback. This is a team with a secondary that can't cover anyone. This is a team that could use a major upgrade at wide receiver. This is a team with a sketchy offensive line. This is a team with a quarterback whom many still doubt. This is a team with a coaching staff whose play-calling has been frequently suspect.

Many of your concerns are valid. But consider these facts: The Jaguars are worse than the Bears. The Saints can't play on the road. The Texans are finished. And the Bears owe the Packers a whipping.

Lots of helpers

After Sunday's total meltdown, coach Lovie Smith pointed out that the Bears would ''need a little bit of help'' to make the playoffs. Any of the Vikings' four remaining opponents -- the Lions, Cardinals, Falcons and Giants -- could provide that help.

The Vikings struggled earlier this season to beat the Lions at home and must play them in Detroit. The Vikings also will play the NFC West-leading Cardinals on the road. Their last two games are at home, but they're against the surprising Falcons and the Super Bowl champion Giants.

If the Vikings win all four, they will have earned the division title. But they've yet to win three consecutive games, and I don't see them winning their final four. They might not even win three of four. But will it matter?

The Vikings could lose the rest of their games, and it won't mean a thing if the Bears can't help themselves. They've won back-to-back games only twice all year, and both ''streaks'' involved the winless Lions. The defense in which general manager Jerry Angelo has invested so heavily has underperformed all season, and it's possible this is as good as it gets.

It's foolish to continue to hope Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris can dominate the way they once did. But can they raise their level of play for four weeks? And can the secondary avoid the mental lapses that have been so common this year?

Offense is faltering

Earlier this season, it looked like the offense might be strong enough to overcome the defensive liabilities. That hasn't been the case since Kyle Orton sprained his right ankle. For now, the Bears' offense is no better than average, but at least it's moving in the right direction with Matt Forte and Orton.

The defense will have to be rebuilt, starting this offseason. How strong is the trade market for expensive linemen and linebackers with a lot of wear and tear on them? We may find out.

But not just yet. There is still one-quarter of the season left to play, and a division title is on the line. Everything else can wait.

This is what teams play for, right? A shot at the postseason. We'll soon find out how badly the Bears want it.

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