In the NFL, Drew Brees threw a pair of touchdown passes and the New Orleans Saints overcame a lackluster offensive showing in handing the Atlanta Falcons their fifth straight loss, 17-13. Brees hooked up with Jimmy Graham on a 44-yard touchdown and Benjamin Watson on a 1-yard scoring play, both in the first half. That was good enough to give the first-place Saints a sweep of their season series with their NFC South rivals. Atlanta was considered a preseason pick to make the playoffs, but instead has seen its season spiral downward.
Richie Incognito has agreed to postpone his grievance hearing challenging his suspension by the Miami Dolphins until the NFL completes its investigation into the team's bullying scandal.
Broncos receiver Wes Welker returned to practice for the first time since leaving Sunday's game against Kansas City with a concussion. He said he's hopeful he'll be able to play against his former team when the Broncos take on New England Sunday.
Baseball players' union head Michael Weiner has died 15 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. He was 51.
In the NBA, it was Oklahoma City over the Clippers 105-91 and Chicago fell to Denver 97-87.
Checking news on the ice, Philadelphia beat Buffalo 4-1. St. Louis took Boston 3-2 in a shootout. The NY Rangers won against Dallas 3-2. Nashville doubled up Toronto 4-2. Detroit defeated Carolina 4-3. Chicago defeated Winnipeg 6-3. Colorado topped Phoenix 4-3 in overtime. Edmonton bested Florida 4-1. New Jersey took Los Angeles 2-1 in overtime and Tampa Bay lost to San Jose 5-1.
In college football, No. 17 Central Florida beat Rutgers 41-17.
Finally, in college basketball No. 10 VCU was upset by Florida St. 85-67 No. 18 UConn defeated Boston College 72-70.
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