ATLANTA, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Drew Brees found Jimmy Graham on a touchdown toss late in the game Monday and the New Orleans Saints earned a playoff berth with a 17-14 win over Atlanta.
Brees found the rookie tight end on a 6-yard pass with 3:24 remaining, highlighting a 302-yard performance in which he went 35-of-49 through the air with a score and two interceptions for the Saints (11-4).
In addition to securing a post-season spot, the win helped New Orleans' hopes of claiming a second straight NFC South title. A Saints win over Tampa Bay next week coupled with a Falcons loss to Carolina would give the Saints the division crown.
Pierre Thomas gained 63 rushing yards and scored a touchdown on 19 carries, and caught seven passes for 39 yards in the win.
The Falcons (12-3), who have already secured a playoff spot, saw their eight-game winning streak snapped. Atlanta can still win the top NFC seed with a victory over Carolina next week.
Matt Ryan went 15-of-29 in pass attempts, gaining 148 yards and a touchdown, and Michael Turner racked up 48 yards on 17 carries.
