The Falcons took their lead on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to running back Devonta Freeman with 26 seconds left in the half.
Earlier the Falcons scored on a 42-yard pass from Ryan to Tony Moeaki and a 51-yard field goal by Shayne Graham, a former Saints kicker. Ryan was 14 of 20 for 204 yards and two TD passes. Freeman carried the ball 14 times for 47 yards while Julio Jones had four receptions for 66 yards.
Saints running back Tim Hightower bulled his way into the end zone for a 1-yard score and tight end Benjamin Watson made a diving 13-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.