The win-loss records were thrown out the window and the Saints and Falcons fought a classical NFC divisional matchup that went down to the wire before New Orleans just barely held on to win, 17-13.

The game was close throughout as both offenses put up almost identical statistics, but it was the Falcons defense that stepped up big, albeit in losing fashion. Drew Brees and the usually high-flying Saints offense was held to only two touchdowns on the night while Matt Ryan managed to throw a game-high 297 yards. Still, it was a night to remember for Brees as he passed Warren Moon on the all-time passing yards list, moving into fifth place.

It has been a disappointing season for the Falcons after enjoying a series of very successful years, but the team showed on Thursday night that they have the potential to do some damage to potential playoff teams down the line, even if they won't be in the postseason themselves. The Falcons lost their fifth straight game and ninth overall to officially eliminate the squad from having a .500 season. This year will mark the first time since 2008 that the Falcons will have finished with a losing season.

The Saints, on the other hand, improved to 9-2 and the fans in New Orleans have something to cheer for again after a lackluster 7-9 campaign last year when coach Sean Payton was suspended amid very controversial and disappointing revelations that players were encouraged to injure others in exchange for financial compensation.

The Saints will look to make it four straight victories next week when the team travels to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Atlanta hopes to rebound next week in a 4:05 p.m. matchup across the border in Canada against the Bills.