The Falcons Held on to Get Back in the Playoff Hunt

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are back in the hunt for the NFC South title after grinding out a win over the New Orleans Saints.

Deion Jones made a leaping interception in the end zone with 1:25 remaining to secure the Falcons' 20-17 win over the Saints. Drew Brees had just marched New Orleans to the Atlanta 11 before Jones allowed Atlanta to improve to 8-5, one game behind the division-leading Saints.

Matt Bryant's 52-yard field goal broke a 17-all tie with 3:49 to play. Matt Ryan was picked off three times but tossed a game-tying, eight-yard scoring pass to Mohamed Sanu 5:05 into the fourth quarter.

Brees threw scoring passes to Tommylee Lewis and Michael Thomas, but the Saints were held to 50 yards on 15 carries. Alvin Kamara ran the ball just once for two yards before leaving the game with a concussion.

Carolina will move into a tie with the Saints if the Panthers beat the Vikings in Charlotte on Sunday.