Saints Beat Falcons; Heading to Playoffs

The New Orleans Saints didn't want to slip up again against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints defense was tough and stout all game in long in a Saints 23-13 win over the Falcons. New Orleans is heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

The Saints had five sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and a couple of key fourth down stops. With the Saints leading 6-0 in the second, Ted Ginn Jr. caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees. Ginn caught four passes for 76 yards receiving and a touchdown. Brees completed 21-of-28 passes for 239 yards one touchdown and one interception.

With the Saints leading 13-3 in the third, Mark Ingram scored on a 26-yard touchdown run. Ingram finished with 44 rushing yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. Ingram also caught three passes for 22 yards receiving. Alvin Kamara rushed for 32 yards on 12 carries. He also caught seven passes for 58 yards receiving.

With the Falcons trailing 23-6 in the fourth, Matt Ryan threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tevin Coleman. Coleman caught four passes for 40 yards receiving and a touchdown. He also rushed for 12 yards on six carries. Ryan completed 22-of-36 passes for 288 yards one touchdown and one interception.

Julio Jones was the Falcons leading receiver with seven receptions for 149 yards. Devonta Freeman was the Falcons leading rusher with 36 yards on 11 carries. He also caught two passes for 20 yards receiving.

The Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers (11-4) in the season finale next Sunday. The Saints will be on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) in the season finale next Sunday.

Atlanta will head to the playoffs next week with a win or some help. New Orleans wins the NFC South with a win or a Carolina loss next week.