Drew Brees threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, and the New Orleans Saints beat the Falcons, 17-13, on Thursday night in Atlanta. The loss eliminated the Falcons (2-9) from the NFC South race.

The Saints (9-2) scored both of their touchdowns in the first half, as Brees tossed a 44-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham and a 1-yard score to Benjamin Watson.

New Orleans led 14-13 at halftime and tacked on a 41-yard field goal from Garrett Hartley with 4:37 left in the third quarter to pad the lead. Atlanta threatened in the fourth quarter, but the Falcons' drive stalled and Matt Bryant missed a 52-yard field goal.

Graham finished with five receptions for 100 yards and a score. His end zone celebration left the cross bar of the field goal posts out of alignment and in need of adjustment.

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan completed 30 of 39 pass attempts for 292 yards.

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