The New Orleans Saints will host the host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in next weekend’s NFC Divisional round, Sunday at 5:40 p.m. CT, after a 21-9 win against the Chicago Bears Sunday’s Wild Card playoff matchup.
The Saints, who were boosted by the return of several key players including stars Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, used a dominant second half to seal the win.
The Saints scored first when Brees connected with Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown pass to give New Orleans a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
The score was Thomas’ first of the year as he missed nine regular season games with ankle and hamstring injuries.
The Bears didn’t get on the board until 8:06 in the third quarter when Cairo Santos connected on a 36-yard field goal. The score was set up when Tashaun Gipson Sr. hit Taysom Hill’s arm as he wound up to throw forcing a fumble that was recovered by Bears tackle John Jenkins.
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The Saints stretched their lead in the third quarter when Brees dumped a pass off to Latavius Murray who took it six yards for a touchdown. Murray threw a nice block right before making the catch that saved Brees from what would have been a sack.
New Orleans added another touchdown in the fourth quarter when Alvin Kamara capped a 15-play, 64-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown.
Kamara was activated off the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.
New Orleans was also aided by the return of kick returner Deonte Harris who led the Saints with 83 yards and seven catches.