The Saints’ second-year wideout made a sensational circus catch in the final week of the regular season for a 26-yard touchdown to give New Orleans a 24-17 lead over Atlanta in a potentially crucial NFC South showdown.
Quarterback Derek Carr lofted the pass toward Olave at the goal line, and the former Ohio State wide receiver tipped the ball to himself and made a bobbling reception in the end zone.
Falcons rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III had excellent coverage, but Olave’s concentration and catch were even more impressive.
New Orleans (8-8) and Atlanta (7-9) can reach the postseason. The Falcons must win in Week 18 and have the Buccaneers (8-8) lose to clinch their first division title since 2016 and first postseason berth since 2017.
The Saints have a couple of paths toward the playoffs, but both include a win against the Falcons. They will win the NFC South for the first time since 2020 with a Bucs loss to the Panthers, but they can also reach the playoffs as a wild-card team if the Seahawks and Packers lose in the late-afternoon window.
