Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints against the Philadelphia Eagles
Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints against the Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Divisional play-offs results: New Orleans Saints beat Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 to face LA Rams in NFC Championship game


The New Orleans Saints came from 14-0 down to beat end the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl title defence and advance to the NFC Championship game.

The Saints advanced to host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game after escaping a first-quarter scare against the tough defending champions.

After falling behind 14-0, the Saints rallied to stop the Eagles putting another point on the board in the remaining three quarters.

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns while receiver Michael Thomas recorded 12 receptions for 171 yards and a touchdown.

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore had two interceptions in the game, the second coming late on to virtually seal the game when a Nick Foles pass went through the hands of Alshon Jeffery inside the last two minutes.

It marked a memorable comeback for the home side, who were visibly shaken by the fast start made by Foles and the Eagles, with Brees being intercepted on the very first play of the game.

A three-and-out and delay of game penalty followed as the Saints' stuttering offence looked a shadow of the side that had battered the Eagles 48-7 in the same venue earlier this season.

Super Bowl MVP Foles threatened to perform more of his post-season magic after that flying start but the Saints defence took over after the first quarter as they could muster just 97 yards after piling up 153 in the opening 15 minutes.

While the stubborn defence is over for the Eagles, the Saints roll on to the NFC Championship game next week, which they'll host against the LA Rams - who they've also previously beaten in the Superdome earlier this season.

NFL Divisional Round results

  • Indianapolis Colts 13-31 Kansas City Chiefs
  • Dallas Cowboys 22-30 LA Rams
  • LA Chargers 28-41 New England Patriots
  • Philadelphia Eagles 14-20 New Orleans Saints

NFL Championship game schedule

Sunday January 20

  • LA Rams @ New Orleans Saints - 2005 GMT
  • New England Patriots @ Kansas City Chiefs - 2340 GMT

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