New Orleans Saints win to make playoffs

By Gary Peters, Reporter

Published: December 30 2013 | 00:49

Last updated: December 30 2013 | 11:39

The New Orleans Saints secure a 42-17 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to secure a Wild Card spot.

The New Orleans Saints have beaten the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch a Wild Card spot in the NFL playoffs.

Drew Brees fired 44 yards to Lance Moore for the opening score of the match, but Mike Glennon replied by finding Tiquan Underwood to level matters soon after.

Lance Moore of the New Orleans Saints catches a touchdown pass over Leonard Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 29, 2013 © Getty Images

Jimmy Graham restored the visitors' lead with a 10-yard touchdown just before the end of the first quarter, before Brees went 41 yards to Robert Meachem early in the second.

The Saints went 14 points ahead when Brees, who threw 321 yards in the first period, passed for Kenny Stills to touch down for 76 yards.

Rian Lindell gave the Bucs hope in the third quarter with a 54-yard field goal, but the Saints then increased their advantage with Pierre Thomas's touchdown near the end of the quarter.

Brees then continued his dominant display with a nine-yard run for the touchdown.