• Vernon Davis was the hero for San Francisco 49ers as they eliminated the New Orleans Saints with a 36-32 win.
  • Drew Brees' remarkable season came to an end with 462 yards and four touchdowns in a losing effort.
  • The year-round sun in California meant the 49ers cheerleaders could strut their stuff even in mid-January.
  • Jimmy Graham had 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns for the Saints...
  • ...But his performance was outdone by opposing tight end Davis, who had 180 yards and two TDs, including the winning score.
  • 49ers quarterback Alex Smith also ran in for a dramatic score during an epic contest.
  • Things were not so close later on Saturday night as Rob Gronkowski tied a play-off record with three TD catches as the Patriots hammered the Broncos.
  • Tom Brady also matched a post-season record with six TD passes, five of which came in the first half.
  • The magic finally ran out for Broncos star Tim Tebow.
  • In the early kick-off on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens scraped past the Houston Texans 20-13 to reach the AFC Championship Game.
  • Cornerback Lardarius Webb played a key role in the victory, grabbing two interceptions.
  • Kris Wilson caught a touchdown pass from Joe Flacco.
  • Houston Texans quarterback TJ Yates was left to ponder what might have been after throwing three picks.
  • Ray Lewis (L) and Arian Foster speak after the game.
  • Meanwhile, fans of the Green Bay Packers enjoyed their tailgating ahead of their clash with the New York Giants at Lambeau Field.
  • Spirits were high, even if some of the attire was not the most suitable for the Wisconsin winter.
  • But the mood soon turned sour as Hakeem Nicks raced away for a 66-yard TD to give the Giants the advantage.
  • Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times as the defending Super Bowl champions slumped to a shock 37-20 defeat.
  • Giants QB Eli Manning put in a clutch display, finishing with 330 yards and three TDs.

Divisional Play-offs

Vernon Davis was the hero for San Francisco 49ers as they eliminated the New Orleans Saints with a 36-32 win.