Falcons eliminate Saints from playoff contention

Published: Dec 21, 2014 at 08:19 AM

NEW ORLEANS -- Julio Jones returned from a hip injury to catch seven passes for 107 yards, and the Atlanta Falcons remained in playoff contention with a 30-14 victory over New Orleans on Sunday.

Matt Ryan completed 30 of 40 passes for 322 yards and a touchdown, and Devonta Freeman ran for a 31-yard score for Atlanta (6-9), which can win the NFC South by beating Carolina next week.

The Saints (6-9), who committed three turnovers in the fourth quarter, lost their fifth straight at home and were eliminated.

Jimmy Graham fumbled inside the Atlanta 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter. The Saints had a chance to drive for a winning score inside the final three minutes, but Robert McClain's interception of Drew Brees in Saints territory set up a field goal, and Osi Umenyiora returned Brees' fumble for an 86-yard TD as time expired.

Relive Julio Jones' performance against the Saints with NFL Game Rewind

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