New Orleans Saints secure play-off place with win over Atlanta Falcons

Taysom Hill, centre, led the Saints to victory and a play-off berth (John Bazemore/AP)

The New Orleans Saints became the first NFL team to secure a playoff spot after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 21-16.

The victory was the Saints’ ninth consecutive win as Taysom Hill filled in successfully again for Drew Brees, throwing his first two NFL touchdown passes as a starting quarterback inside the first half.