NFL: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 27

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NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Marques Colston caught his 55th career TD pass Sunday and the New Orleans Saints made two late defensive stops to preserve their 31-27 win over Atlanta.

Colston's 7-yard TD grab from Drew Brees (21-of-32, 298 yards, three TDs, one interception) in the third quarter put the Saints ahead 28-17 and New Orleans (4-5) hung on down the stretch to knock the Falcons (8-1) from the ranks of the undefeated.

The catch gave Colston 55 scoring grabs for the Saints, tying him with Deuce McAllister for the most in team history.

New Orleans' defense -- porous throughout most of the season -- came up big in the closing moments, first frustrating Atlanta on four tries to cross goal from the New Orleans 2-yard line with 2 minutes left.

The Saints also turned back a last-chance try by the Falcons, securing their second straight win.