McNabb passed for 263 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 38-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints today.

In losing, the Saints would be eliminated from playoff contention if the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Washington Redskins later Sunday night.

McNabb no longer showed any effects of his rehabilitation from knee surgery over the summer or an ankle sprain in midseason.

His 40-yard scramble on the third play led to a bizarre touchdown after his fumble was recovered in the end zone by Kevin Curtis. McNabb also used his scrambling ability to neutralize the Saints' pass rush.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 289 yards and a touchdown, but lost his best receiver when Marques Colston left the game in the first half with a chest contusion.

Still, the Saints were in position to tie the game at 21 on the opening drive of the second half when David Patten nearly scored on a short first-down pass.

Saints coach Sean Payton thought Patten had crossed the goal line and challenged the ruling, but the call was upheld, setting up second-and-goal from the 1. The Eagles then stuffed New Orleans on three straight running plays to preserve their one-touchdown lead, taking over possession at their own 2.

Philadelphia followed with a 15-play, 98-yard, seven-minute scoring drive that McNabb capped with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Greg Lewis, giving the Eagles a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter.

McNabb also had touchdown passes of 31 yards to Reggie Brown and 7 yards to Curtis. Correll Buckhalter scored the Eagles' other touchdown on a 20-yard run in the first quarter.