FALCONS TOP SAINTS IN NEW ORLEANS

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-9 in a battle among NFC South rivals at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon, snapping a six-game losing skid for the Falcons and ending a six-game winning streak for the division-leading Saints.

Matt Ryan, in his return from an ankle injury, was 20 of 35 for 182 yards and two touchdowns.  The Dirty Birds sacked Drew Brees six times and held the Saints to zero touchdowns.

Atlanta improved to 2-7 on the season, while New Orleans fell to 7-2.

The Falcons will take on the Carolina Panthers in yet another division rivalry next Sunday at 1 pm in Charlotte, NC.