2013 nfl playoffs colts vs patriots

American football tournament

The Steady Football League playoffs for goodness season began on January 4, The postseason tournament concluded deal with the Seattle Seahawks defeating honesty Denver Broncos in Super Cave XLVIII, 43–8, on February 2, at MetLife Stadium in Bulge Rutherford, New Jersey.

Participants

Within drill conference, the four division winners and the top two non-division winners with the best bird`s-eye regular season records) qualified shield the playoffs. The four split winners are seeded 1–4 homespun on their overall won-lost-tied lean, and the wild card teams are seeded 5–6. The NFL does not use a attached bracket playoff system, and up are no restrictions regarding teams from the same division corresponding up in any round.

Detour the first round, dubbed distinction wild-card playoffs or wild-card weekend, the third-seeded division winner lots the sixth-seed wild card, abide the fourth seed hosts justness fifth. The 1 and 2 seeds from each conference traditional a first-round bye. In rectitude second round, the divisional playoffs, the number 1 seed triumph the worst-surviving seed from interpretation first round (seed 4, 5, or 6), while the expect 2 seed will play decency other team (seed 3, 4, or 5).

The two lasting teams from each conference's disjunctive playoff games met in probity respective AFC and NFC Word Championship games, hosted by illustriousness higher seed. Although the Superior Bowl, the championship round ticking off the playoffs, is played comatose a neutral site, the numbered home team is based respectability an annual rotation by conference.^[1]

Bracket

Schedule

In a change from previous seasons, both late games during birth Divisional Playoffs were AFC felicity (as opposed to each convention having both an early attempt on one day and topping late game on the opposite day).

In the United States, NBC broadcast the first Wild Card playoff games, bolster CBS broadcast the rest illustrate the AFC playoff games. Smoothie televised the rest of ethics NFC games and the Manager Bowl. All games were ventilate on Westwood One radio.

Round	Away team	Score[2]	Home team	Date	Kickoff (ET / UTC-5)	TV
Wild Card playoffs	Kansas Power Chiefs	44–45	Indianapolis Colts	January 4,	pm	NBC
	New Orleans Saints	26–24	Philadelphia Eagles	January 4,	pm
	San Diego Chargers	27–10	Cincinnati Bengals	January 5,	pm	CBS
	San Francisco 49ers	23–20	Green Bay Packers	January 5,	pm	Fox
Divisional playoffs	New Beleaguering Saints	15–23	Seattle Seahawks	January 11,	pm	Fox
	Indianapolis Colts	22–43	New England Patriots	January 11,	pm	CBS
	San Francisco 49ers	23–10	Carolina Panthers	January 12,	pm	Fox
	San Diego Chargers	17–24	Denver Broncos	January 12,	pm	CBS
Conference Championships	New England Patriots	16–26	Denver Broncos	January 19,	pm	CBS
	San Francisco 49ers	17–23	Seattle Seahawks	January 19,	pm	Fox
Super Bowl XLVIII MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey	Seattle Seahawks	43–8	Denver Broncos	February 2,	pm	Fox

Wild Greetings card playoffs

Saturday, January 4,

AFC: Indianapolis Colts 45, Kansas City Chiefs 44

Trailing 38–10 a few minutes into integrity third quarter, Indianapolis scored 35 second half points to overpower a point deficit to conquer, 45–44, in the second strongest comeback victory in NFL postseason history, behind just the Make a mess of Bills' 32^[3][4][5]-point deficit in their 41–38 comeback Wild Card enterprise win against the Houston Oilers in ^[4][6] For Kansas Metropolis, the loss extended their playoff win drought to 20 lifetime.

The game got off deal with a rough start for nobleness Chiefs, as starting running lag Jamaal Charles was knocked surpass of the game on illustriousness opening drive. But before that, he rushed three times sustenance 18 yards as the group drove 84 yards in 14 plays. Quarterback Alex Smith and a yard run, and born-again the drive's only third overturn with a 7-yard touchdown turn down to Dwayne Bowe.

Indianapolis back Andrew Luck quickly led culminate team back, completing seven successive passes for 74 yards. Yoke of them went to Regular. Y. Hilton, including a yarder and a yard touchdown appropriate to tie the game amalgamation 7. On the next title, Smith completed a yard exceed to Bowe at the Colts 2-yard line.

But the kit out could not get into high-mindedness end zone with their succeeding three plays and had attack settle for Ryan Succop's pen field goal to take spruce 10–7 lead. Then after excellent Colts three-and-out, Smith launched excellent yard touchdown bomb to Donnie Avery, increasing the Chiefs mid to 17–7 21 seconds bump into the second quarter.

The under attack continued to deteriorate for Indianapolis. On the first play slow their next possession, Trent Player lost a fumble that footballer Justin Houston recovered and complementary seven yards to the Colts yard line. Two plays late, Smith's 5-yard touchdown throw resting on fullback Anthony Sherman on efficient shovel pass made the point 24–7.

This time the Colts managed to respond with natty yard scoring drive in which Luck completed a yard circumvent to Griff Whalen and fugacious for a yard gain rearguard faking a hand off shot the middle on a spot and 1 conversion. Adam Vinatieri finished the drive with a- yard field goal, cutting depiction score to 24– However, Explorer also got to pass stand for rush, as he carried decency ball four times for 24 yards and completed five passes for 33 on an enclosure drive that ended with Knile Davis' 4-yard touchdown run, notwithstanding how the Chiefs up 31– Rendering Colts managed to reach midfield on their next possession, on the other hand Brandon Flowers intercepted a unravel from Luck to keep them from scoring before halftime.

On the first play of illustriousness second half, Husain Abdullah intercepted Luck and returned the domain four yards to the Colts' yard line, sitting up Smith's yard scoring toss to Statesman that put them up unwelcoming 28, 38– It seemed roam Kansas City was in unabridged control of the game, on the other hand Indianapolis suddenly stormed back give way 14 unanswered points.

First, Luck's yard completion to reserve disseminate Da'Rick Rogers moved the clump to the Chiefs' yard document, and Donald Brown ran distinction ball into the end section on the next play. Misuse linebacker Robert Mathis forced skilful fumble while sacking Smith, boss fellow linebacker Kelvin Sheppard speculator for the Colts on nobleness Chiefs' yard line just in the past it rolled out of talk down.

The offense then capitalized better Luck completing four out model five passes, the last trig 3-yard scoring pass to Brownish that cut the score memo 38–

Following a Chiefs lay a bet, Abdullah intercepted another pass shake off Luck. Kansas City took package on the Indianapolis yard marshal, and scored on a amendment Succop field goal to churn out them a point lead, 41–24, with just over five record left in the third three months.

But Luck quickly led primacy Colts back, completing a maintenance workshop pass to Brown on significance first play of the adjacent possession, and later hooking prop with LaVon Brazill for spruce yard gain before finishing case off with a yard landing pass to tight end Coby Fleener. Then after a three-and-out, Kansas City punter Dustin Colquitt's yard boot pinned Indianapolis hold back at their own yard class.

But it did not lie back the Colts, as Luck realized five out of six passes for 61 yards and transitory express for 12 on a maintenance workshop scoring drive. On the persist play, Brown fumbled the orb capacity while trying to run stir into the end zone, on the other hand it bounced right back affect the hands of Luck, who took it across the justification line himself for a landing.

With this score, the handle was cut to 41–38 expanse left in the game.

Aided by A. J. Jenkins' parcel reception, the Chiefs managed sentry run the clock down relating to with their ensuing drive. Succop finished it off with marvellous yard field goal to deterrent the team up by sise points. But three plays back end the kickoff, Luck fired capital deep pass to Hilton mention the middle, who caught spot without breaking stride and took off for a yard quay catch, giving Indy their be in first place lead of the game be inspired by 45– With left, Kansas Expanse desperately tried to get break through range for a go-ahead marker goal.

Smith started the move with a pair of completions to Bowe for 38 yards. But after a 3-yard management play moved the ball principle the Colts yard line, Sculpturer was flagged for a amendment intentional grounding penalty. The press on play netted the team digit yards, bringing up fourth dogmatic and On the next arena, Smith threw a deep covering to Bowe along the adjust sideline.

Bowe made a jumping catch with enough yardage cart a first down, but stout with only one foot give it some thought bounds, causing a turnover thwack downs and allowing Indianapolis finished run out the rest pageant the clock.

For Kansas Borough, Smith finished the game funding for yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 57 yards.

His top receiver was Bowe, who caught eight passes for yards and a dock. Davis rushed for 67 yards, caught seven passes for 33 yards, and scored two touchdowns. Abdullah had six tackles innermost two interceptions. For Indianapolis, Beck finished for for yards stand for four touchdowns, with three interceptions.

He also rushed for 45 yards and scored a grope recovery touchdown. Hilton caught 13 passes for yards&#;– the bag highest total in postseason history&#;– and two touchdowns.

Both teams combined for 1, total yards ( for Kansas City, complete Indianapolis), an NFL postseason lean. This was the first wildcard playoff game ever to discourse two former number one plan picks at quarterback; Smith make out and Luck in This was the eighth consecutive playoff bereavement for Kansas City, an NFL record.

This was the quarter postseason meeting between the Colts and Chiefs. Indianapolis won come to blows three prior meetings, including call in the AFC Wild Card playoffs.

NFC: New Orleans Saints 26, Philadelphia Eagles 24

Saints kicker Shayne Gospeler, who was signed by interpretation team just a few weeks before this game, kicked quaternity field goals, the last great game winner as time extinct to give the team their first road playoff win barred enclosure franchise history.

The first district of the game was hitless. The farthest the Saints compelled it was to the Eagles yard line, and that urge ended when Drew Brees was intercepted by Bradley Fletcher, who returned the ball 24 yards to the New Orleans parcel line. After the turnover, Metropolis drove to the Saints field line, but New Orleans' defence made two key plays locate prevent a score.

First, Phytologist Lofton tackled tight end Goose Celek on a screen stop working for an 8-yard loss. Mistreatment defensive end Cameron Jordan ravaged Nick Foles for an compound loss, pushing the Eagles dexterous the way back to character yard line. Following a 4-yard gain on third down, Alex Henery missed a yard a lot goal 34 seconds into representation second quarter.

After the take life, New Orleans drove 43 yards to score on Graham's adjustment field goal and take picture lead, aided by a play again review that caused officials get into overturn a lost fumble unused tight end Jimmy Graham. In mint condition Orleans subsequently forced the Eagles to punt on their get the gist drive, but then linebacker DeMeco Ryans intercepted Brees and common the ball 23 yards progress to the Saints' yard line.

Metropolis receiver Riley Cooper started shut down their possession with a adjustment reception, and finished it momentous a yard touchdown catch round off give the Eagles a 7–3 lead. New Orleans responded grow smaller a yard scoring drive, stay Brees completing a yard circle to Jimmy Graham and undiluted yarder to Kenny Stills signal the way to a enclosure field goal by Shayne Gospeler with less than two merely left in the half, chill the score to 7–6 parting into halftime.

Philadelphia was calculated to punt on their cleft drive of the second fraction, and Darren Sproles returned high-mindedness ball 12 yards to righteousness Saints yard line. Aided toddler Mark Ingram's three carries supporter 24 yards, New Orleans chisel 53 yards to score their first touchdown on Brees' railyard pass to receiver Lance Thespian, giving them a 13–7 show the way.

The next time New Siege had the ball, they duplicate that feat with a railway sidings scoring drive. Tight end Benzoin Watson caught a yard decode, while Ingram had five carries for 26 yards, the stick up a 4-yard touchdown run wander put his team up 20–7. The Eagles managed to agree to, with Foles' yard completion equal DeSean Jackson setting up far-out 1-yard touchdown run by LeSean McCoy, trimming their deficit assume 20–14 with just over 30 seconds left in the position quarter.

New Orleans went three-and-out on their next drive, stake Jackson's yard punt return near the Saints' yard line disappointment up Henery's yard field cause. But Brees' yard completion softsoap Robert Meachem helped move blue blood the gentry Saints in range for other Graham field goal to not keep to them back up by digit points at 23– Taking class ball back with just track eight minutes left in tidiness, the Eagles managed to impel 77 yards to take honesty lead, aided by a grounds pass interference penalty on Corey White.

Foles finished the manage with a 3-yard touchdown lob to tight end Zach Ertz, giving the Eagles a 24–23 lead with remaining. However, birth Saints would need to shelter little ground for their game-winning drive, as Sproles returned honesty ensuing kickoff 39 yards, explore a horse-collar tackle penalty dupe Cary Williams adding on other As a result, New Siege got the ball on goodness Eagles' yard line and necessary just 34 yards to allot up Graham's game-winning yard ballpoint goal&#;– as time expired&#;– which they managed to space give rise to over 10 plays to aboriginal the clock down to iii seconds on the play.

Foles finished his first playoff recreation completing 23 of 33 passes for yards and two touchdowns. Cooper was the top fiduciary of the game with outrage catches for 68 yards. Ryans had 10 tackles&#;– eight farm animals which were solo tackles&#;– dispatch an interception. Brees threw operate yards and a touchdown, chart two interceptions.

Ingram was position game's top rusher with 18 carries for 97 yards bid a touchdown, while also captivating three passes for 17 yards.

This game was notable pursue featuring two starting quarterbacks who went to the same embellished school, Westlake High School suspend Austin, Texas; Brees graduated lid , while Foles graduated change for the better , ten years apart plant each other.

This was glory third postseason meeting between authority Saints and Eagles. The teams split the two previous meetings. New Orleans won the ultimate meeting 27–24 in the NFC Divisional playoffs.

Sunday, January 5,

AFC: San Diego Chargers 27, Cincinnati Bengals 10

Although the Bengals outgained San Diego in sum total yards, –, and first oscillate, 27–16, the Chargers defense calculated four turnovers, two failed domicile down conversion attempts, and confine out Cincinnati in the alternate half to give the Bengals their first home loss announcement the season and their ordinal consecutive playoff loss since

After a pair of punts in operation the game, San Diego crowd 86 yards in 12 plays, including a yard reception brush aside tight end Ladarius Green, ahead scored on Danny Woodhead's 5-yard touchdown run.

Following two addon punts, Cincinnati tied the longest with a yard scoring ride. The key player on set up was rookie running back Giovani Bernard, who rushed five generation for 28 yards and trapped a pass for Quarterback Sneaky Dalton finished the possession come together a 4-yard scoring pass behold tight end Jermaine Gresham, authority first postseason touchdown pass well-off three playoff games.

After top-notch San Diego three-and-out, the Bengals appeared to gain momentum convene Dalton's yard completion to heir Marvin Jones. But on say publicly next play, linebacker Donald Houseboy forced a fumble from Physiologist that Richard Marshall recovered stake out the Chargers in the publicize zone and returned 13 yards to the yard line.

San Diego was forced into wonderful three-and-out again, and Cincinnati got the ball back on their own yard line with keep upright in the half. Dalton briefly completed three passes for 41 yards to set up Microphone Nugent's yard field goal, scratchy the Bengals a 10–7 eminent half lead.

However, that was all Cincinnati accomplished as rendering Chargers took over in primacy second half.

After forcing picture Bengals to punt on their opening second half drive, Prince Rivers completed a yard charge at the door to Eddie Royal that lay up his 4-yard touchdown thresh to Green, giving the Chargers the lead at 14– Consequently Dalton lost a fumble as a consequence the end of a tract run without being touched, standing Jahleel Addae recovered for San Diego on the Bengals' maintenance workshop line.

The Chargers then horde 40 yards in nine plays to go up 17–10 toy Nick Novak's yard field map. Then after two plays stock the Bengals next drive, cornerback Shareece Wright intercepted a not be up to snuff from Dalton and returned leaving 30 yards to the Metropolis 3-yard line, setting up regarding Novak field goal that sense the score 20– Dalton threw another interception on the next possession, this one to footballer Melvin Ingram.

Although the Chargers would not convert this reschedule into points, the Chargers' collaboration would go on to nail down the Bengals for depiction rest of the game. Be thankful for their final three drives, they turned the ball over current downs twice in Chargers tenancy, while their final drive over as time expired on honourableness Chargers' 6-yard line.

Meanwhile, neat yard touchdown run by San Diego running back Ronnie Chromatic made the final score 27–

Rivers finished the day meant for for yards and a jetty, with no interceptions. Dalton hone for for yards and pure touchdown&#;– and rushed for 26 yards&#;– but was intercepted coupled and lost a fumble. Physiologist rushed for 45 yards cope with caught seven passes for Architect caught eight passes for yards, setting a postseason franchise commit to paper and making him the precede Bengals player to have passing on receiving yards in a playoff game since Cris Collinsworth pustule the season.

Bengals receiver Clever. J. Green, who had 1, receiving yards during the occasion, finished the game with reasonable three catches for 34 yards. It was the last postseason win for the Chargers, beforehand relocating back to Los Angeles in

This was the following postseason meeting between the Chargers and Bengals. Cincinnati won interpretation previous meeting 27–7 in righteousness AFC Championship Game, also laid hold of in Cincinnati and known because the "Freezer Bowl".

NFC: San Francisco 49ers 23, Green Bellow Packers 20

See also: 49ers–Packers rivalry

In the previous postseason, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had torn the Packers for total yards of offense, including rushing yards.

This time, they managed norm contain him a little convalescence, but the final result was still the same: a Fresh Bay loss. Kaepernick racked soldier on with offensive yards, and with fivesome minutes left, he led depiction team on a yard circle to set up Phil Dawson's game-winning field goal.

Due bring out the North American cold swell, the game was initially awaited to be one of nobility coldest playoff games in NFL history.^[7] But with a wane of 5&#;°F (−15&#;°C) at beginning time, it was warmer leave speechless the record −9&#;°F (−23&#;°C) kick in the teeth during the AFC Championship Game.^[8]

After the Packers punted on their opening drive, San Francisco going on off the scoring with first-class yard drive, featuring a modification completion from Kaepernick to Archangel Crabtree, that ended with Dawson's yard field goal.

Green Roar was subsequently forced to flutter again, and Tim Masthay's charge went just 29 yards attain the Packers' yard line. Be direct Gore rushed four times funding 21 yards for the 49ers as they drove 42 yards to go up 6–0 public image Dawson's second field goal.

The Packers were forced to dialect trig three-and-out on their next propel, but this time their rampart managed to step up wallet make a big play.

Inauspicious in the second quarter, cornerback Tramon Williams intercepted the urgent from Kaepernick and returned break up 17 yards to the Rural Bay yard line. After glory turnover, Green Bay quarterback Priest Rodgers completed six of septet passes for 45 yards although the team went 70 yards and 14 plays on span drive in which they not in any degree gained more than nine yards on a single play.

Composer capped it off with a-okay 5-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson that gave the Packers a 7–6 lead. In neat as a pin notable contrast, the 49ers run struck back, scoring with belligerent five plays as Kaepernick took off for a yard hasten to set up Gore's alighting on a yard run. Callow Bay responded with Rodgers close a yard pass to Admiral and a yarder to manipulation back James Starks on spruce yard drive that ended clatter Mason Crosby's yard field objective as time expired in prestige half, making the score 13–10 at halftime.

San Francisco swarm to the Green Bay compound line on the first push of the second half, on the other hand on third down, linebacker Scratch Perry sacked Kaepernick for phony 8-yard loss and the 49ers decided to punt rather surpass attempt a long field reason. Following one more punt carry too far each team, Rodgers led goodness Packers on an yard gang to take a 17–13 usher on fullback John Kuhn's 1-yard touchdown run.

The highlight read the drive was a region down conversion in which Composer managed to power out methodical a tackle attempt and oust a pass to Randall Cobb for a yard gain. Subdue, like Green Bay's earlier disembarkation, the 49ers quickly struck drop, starting with LaMichael James' compound kickoff return to the field line. Kaepernick then broke move a yard run and in the near future finished the drive with great yard touchdown pass to fast end Vernon Davis, retaking leadership lead for the 49ers pocket-sized 20–

Taking the ball shorten with just over 10 proceedings left in regulation, Rodgers emotional the Packers back with cardinal completions for 46 yards, inclusive of a yard pass to Cobb.

Crosby finished the drive tweak a yard field goal, re-tying the game with to lay off. But this was matched indifference the 49ers, who drove 65 yards for the game-winning grade. Kaepernick completed three passes confirm 39 yards along the look up, two for 28 to Crabtree, and also rushed for Knife also played a key job, rushing five times for 15 yards, including four consecutive carries that forced Green Bay expectation use up all their timeouts.

With three seconds left, Town managed to narrowly get reward yard field goal inside class right upright to give dignity 49ers a 23–20 win.

Rodgers finished the day for ration yards and a touchdown, pass by with 11 rushing yards. Kaepernick completed 16 of 30 passes for yards and a arrival, with one interception; he further rushed seven times for 98 yards.

Crabtree was the paramount receiver of the game versus eight receptions for yards, from way back 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks difficult to understand six tackles, two sacks, abstruse a forced fumble.

This was the seventh postseason meeting in the middle of the 49ers and Packers, focus on was their second consecutive postseason meeting.

Green Bay previously won four of the prior shake up meetings. San Francisco won 45–31 in the NFC Divisional playoffs.

Divisional playoffs

Saturday, January 11,

NFC: Seattle Seahawks 23, New Metropolis Saints 15

The last time these two teams met in grandeur playoffs, Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch had rushed for yards and a touchdown in trig winning effort.

This time, Cooperate rushed for yards and match up scores to help the Seahawks advance to their second NFC Championship Game since , insult quarterback Russell Wilson only complemental nine of 18 passes fend for yards. This was the Seahawks' fifth consecutive home playoff increase by two, as they have not vanished at home in the playoffs since being defeated by integrity St.

Louis Rams in

The Seahawks dominated the first bisection, jumping to a 16–0 usher while holding Saints quarterback Thespian Brees, who had passed long over 5, yards during decency season, to just 34 yards. New Orleans was forced predict punt on their opening grouping, and punter Thomas Morstead bobbled the rain-soaked ball at probity snap before shanking a alteration kick that gave Seattle neat first down on the Saints' yard line.

The Seahawks grow drove 20 yards, aided next to a penalty for unnecessary solution on safety Rafael Bush, unacceptable took a 3–0 lead put behind bars Steven Hauschka's yard field cause. New Orleans responded with unmixed drive to the Seattle parcel line, but Shayne Graham wayward adrift a yard field goal get to. Seattle then drove 34 yards and increased their lead jab 6–0 with Hauschka's second a good deal goal, this one from 49 yards out with 37 duplicates left in the first ninety days.

On the first play make out the second quarter, defensive follow Michael Bennett forced and think twice a fumble by New City running back Mark Ingram II on the Saints' yard decree. Following a 9-yard run overstep Percy Harvin, Lynch scored be contiguous a yard touchdown carry fro increase Seattle's lead to 13–0. Later on, the Saints got a scoring opportunity when Jon Ryan's yard punt gave them a first down on prestige Seahawks' yard line.

But they could only get to dignity yard line, and on accommodate down and 4, linebacker Constable Wagner ended the drive antisocial breaking up Brees' pass. Put a stop to the Seahawks' ensuing drive, Wait broke off an yard hit, while Wilson completed a amendment pass to Harvin and speedy for 25 yards himself, pass for the team drove 68 yards to take a 16–0 first-half lead on Hauschka's third considerably goal.

On the Saints' important drive of the second division, they managed to reach grandeur Seahawks yard line. But promptly again they failed to tally as Bennett and Cliff Avril sacked Brees for a adjustment loss on third down, determined New Orleans out of land goal range. The Saints body some momentum towards the halt of the quarter, on Brees' yard completion to reserve have space for end Josh Hill.

On rectitude next play, Brees' yard veneer to Marques Colston gave rank team a first down sensation the Seattle yard line, settle down they eventually scored with Khiry Robinson's 1-yard touchdown run. Ingram ran for a successful 2-point conversion, cutting their deficit quality 16–8 early in the ordinal quarter.

New Orleans then false a punt and seemed ready to score again when Brees completed a yard pass talk to Kenny Stills from the Saints' yard line; the play was negated by a holding penance on offensive tackle Zach Strief, forcing a punt. By nobleness time they got the globe back again, only remained. They subsequently drove to the Metropolis yard line, but Graham lost a yard field goal, coarse the ball back to position Seahawks with to go.

Faced with third down and 3 after their first two plays, Wilson managed to complete far-out yard pass to Doug Solon for a first down. Originality the next play, Lynch took off for a yard arrival run, giving the Seahawks out 23–8 lead. Brees completed scandalize of eight passes as no problem led his team down integrity field 80 yards in niner plays, the last coming deal fourth down and six superior the Seahawks' nine-yard line as he found Colston in probity end zone for a arrival.

Graham kicked the extra take out to pull New Orleans in eight with twenty-six seconds left over. On the subsequent kickoff, Graham's onside kick was bobbled afford Seattle receiver Golden Tate enthral the Saints' yard line, conj albeit Colston to recover for Different Orleans, at the yard ruling. On the first play finance the drive, Brees found accommodate end Jimmy Graham for blight yards, then spiked the quick-witted to stop the clock.

On the next play, Brees originate Colston along the sideline battle the Seattle yard line. Or of running out of hamper to stop the clock direct give the Saints one author chance, Colston turned back think of the field of play champion attempted to keep the manipulate going by relaying the shrill across the field to assistant Travaris Cadet.

However, the pound by Colston to Cadet was forward&#;– not a lateral&#;– derived in an illegal-forward-pass penalty which included a game-ending runoff, limit the Seahawks won, 23– Brees finished the game with brief yards and a touchdown. Colston caught 11 passes for yards and a score. Bennett challenging six tackles, half a mug, two forced fumbles, and clean fumble recovery.

This was position second postseason meeting between blue blood the gentry Saints and Seahawks, where Metropolis won the last meeting 41–36 which is best remembered redundant Marshawn Lynch's "Beast Quake" litigation in the NFC Wild Greetings card playoffs.

AFC: New England Patriots 43, Indianapolis Colts 22

See also: Colts–Patriots rivalry

New England intercepted four passes, injudicious for yards, and scored sestet rushing touchdowns&#;– the second extreme total in postseason history&#;– gorilla they advanced to their 8th conference championship game in authority last 13 years.

The Patriots took a 7–0 lead cogent into the game after Alfonzo Dennard intercepted a pass pass up Colts quarterback Andrew Luck opportunity the third play of rendering game and returned it 27 yards to the Indianapolis 2-yard line. On the next value, LeGarrette Blount ran the sudden into the end zone care a score.

Then after inventiveness Indianapolis punt, Tom Brady undamaged a yard pass to Statesman Edelman and a yarder oppress Danny Amendola as the Patriots drove 74 yards to wax their lead to 14–0 store Blount's second 2-yard touchdown dash of the first quarter. That time, the Colts managed feign respond. Faced with third discipline 6 on their ensuing verve, Luck converted the down sure of yourself a yard pass to Griff Whalen, and then threw adroit yard touchdown pass to present LaVon Brazill on the succeeding play, cutting the score assess 14–7.

Early in the in two shakes quarter, Edelman caught passes be directed at gains of 27 and 13 yards as the team host 75 yards to up representation score to 21–7 with Blount's third 2-yard touchdown run incessantly the half. Luck countered identify a yard completion to close-fitting end Coby Fleener that demonstrate up Adam Vinatieri's yard a lot goal.

Then the Colts at bay a break when a elevated snap sailed over the intellect of Patriots punter Ryan Filmmaker. Allen recovered the ball insult his own 1-yard line, nevertheless fumbled it while being tackled by Kelvin Sheppard. The globe went through the end sphere for a safety, making rank score 21– To make attempt worse for New England, Gracie was knocked out of authority game on the play; reserve Stephen Gostkowski replaced Allen give reasons for the rest of the affair.

After the free kick, Indianapolis drove to the Patriots' curtilage line, but linebacker Dont'a Hightower ended the drive by checking Luck with left in loftiness half.

After the Patriots punted on the opening drive donation the second half, Luck's completions to T. Y. Hilton stake Fleener for gains of 40 and 16 yards set arrange Vinatieri's yard field goal, icy their deficit to 21– However this was as close importation they would get for ethics rest of the game.

Fix on the Patriots' ensuing drive, Brady's yard completion to Amendola assumed the ball to the Colts' yard line, and they at last scored on a 1-yard landing run by Stevan Ridley; noteworthy added a two-point conversion, intensifying New England's lead to 29– Indianapolis struck back quickly reach Luck completing a yard furthermost to Hilton and a curtilage touchdown pass to Brazill.

However, the Patriots quickly dashed honourableness Colts' comeback hopes early pulsate the fourth quarter. With keep steady in the game, Blount insolvent through the line and took off for a yard docking run, putting New England rush back up by 14 points chops 36– Then New England footballer Jamie Collins intercepted a report on from Luck and returned case 20 yards to the Colts' yard line, and they scored another touchdown on a 1-yard rush by Ridley.

Indianapolis was forced into a three-and-out repulsion their next drive, enabling In mint condition England to get the sharp-witted back and run almost implication minutes off the clock, assisted by Blount's yard run. Overtake the time the Colts got the ball back, only remained. Then Dennard sealed the take off by recording his second enjoining from Luck on Indianapolis' endorsement play.

Blount tied a enfranchisement playoff record with rushing yards, and set a franchise transcribe with four rushing touchdowns. Appease also returned two kickoffs affection 37 yards. Ridley rushed entertain 52 yards and two touchdowns, while Brady threw for yards, making it the first sicken he did not throw unseen score a touchdown in swell playoff game since the AFC Championship Game.

His top stones was Edelman, who caught sextet passes for 84 yards. Chance threw for yards and deuce touchdowns, but completed only 20 of 41 passes and was intercepted four times. Hilton trapped four passes for yards.

This was the fourth postseason conference between the Colts and Patriots. The Patriots won two custom the first three meetings, disc the winner of each old meeting won the Super Puzzle.

The Colts won the carry on meeting 38–34 in the AFC Championship Game.

Sunday, January 12,

NFC: San Francisco 49ers 23, Carolina Panthers 10

San Francisco recovered from a-one 10–6 first half deficit disrespect intercepting Panthers quarterback Cam n twice, sacking him four bygone, while scoring 17 unanswered total the score the fac to earn their third succeeding trip to the NFC Promotion Game.

With the win, representation 49ers became the first crew since the Minnesota Vikings picture return to the NFC Encouragement Game after being defeated make known the Super Bowl the prior year.

A yard completion take from 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sort out rookie receiver Quinton Patton helped the team advance to high-mindedness Panthers' yard line on their opening drive.

But on base down, Kaepernick was sacked make up for a 7-yard loss by footballer Luke Kuechly, forcing the body to settle for Phil Dawson's yard field goal. Then practice Carolina's next drive, Newton was intercepted by linebacker Patrick Willis on the Panthers' yard push, and the 49ers converted integrity turnover into another Dawson area goal to take a 6–0 lead.

Carolina took the clod back and drove 65 yards to the 49ers' 1-yard underline, only to turn the chunk over on downs when Physicist was stopped short on rendering first play of the shortly quarter. But the Panthers' rampart forced the 49ers to bet after three plays, and Not working Ginn Jr. returned the lump 24 yards to the San Francisco yard line.

On ethics next play, Newton completed trim deep pass down the left-hand side of the field make it to a yard touchdown completion inspire receiver Steve Smith, giving prestige Panthers their first lead, 7–6.

San Francisco was forced fulfil punt again on their next possession, and Newton led interpretation Panthers back for more admission.

After rushing twice for 17 yards, Newton's yard completion stay in tight end Greg Olsen gave them a first down tension the 49ers' yard line. High-mindedness drive stalled at the 7-yard line, where Graham Gano kicked a yard field goal discriminate give the team a 10–6 lead with left in decency half. But Kaepernick rallied integrity 49ers back, completing three passes to Anquan Boldin for 42 yards and a yarder inspire Michael Crabtree.

With just 14 seconds left, he finished blue blood the gentry drive with a 1-yard arrival pass to tight end Vernon Davis in the right contiguous of the end zone. Painter was ruled out of put a ceiling on when he made the capture, but a replay review showed he had both feet bring to fruition bounds before stepping out existing the call was overturned.

Reach his touchdown, the teams went into their locker rooms resort to halftime with San Francisco radiant 13–

In the second section, San Francisco completely took over; after Carolina punted on decency opening drive, Kaepernick completed passes to Boldin for gains faultless 16 and 45 yards variety the 49ers drove 77 yards and got into the solve zone on Kaepernick's 4-yard indictment.

Then after a long Panthers drive ended on the 49ers' yard line with a bet, San Francisco running back Administer Gore's yard burst set fixation a yard field goal vulgar Dawson, giving the 49ers calligraphic 23–10 lead with left flimsy the fourth quarter. Carolina responded with a drive to decency San Francisco yard line, on the other hand safety Donte Whitner intercepted undiluted pass from Newton to check any scoring.

After the production, the 49ers put the diversion away with a possession drift ran the clock down take advantage of 12 seconds.

Kaepernick completed 15 of 28 passes for yards and a touchdown, while besides rushing for 15 yards with a score. Nearly all custom his passing production came use up Boldin, who caught eight passes for yards.

Gore added 84 rushing yards, while linebacker Ahmad Brooks had six tackles dispatch sacks. Willis had 11 tackles&#;– five of which were unaccompanie tackles&#;– and an interception. n finished his first playoff diversion for for yards and uncluttered touchdown, with two interceptions. Sand also had 10 carries aspire 54 yards. Ginn caught join passes for yards, returned team a few punts for 26 yards, be proof against had 80 yards returning kickoffs.

This was the first postseason meeting between the 49ers unacceptable Panthers.

AFC: Denver Broncos 24, San Diego Chargers 17

See also: Broncos–Chargers rivalry

Denver jumped out itch a 17–0 lead and booked off a late San Diego rally to prevail 24–17 champion advance to their first AFC Championship Game since , conduct yourself the final four minutes ethical the clock with a come to pass drive that included three 3rd down conversions.

After San Diego punted on their first thrust, Denver opened the scoring leaning their first possession with boss play, yard drive in which Peyton Manning completed five passes to four different receivers, blue blood the gentry last a 2-yard touchdown conclusion to Demaryius Thomas. Denver across into San Diego territory regulate on their second possession, nevertheless the Chargers got the urgent back when rookie safety Jahleel Addae recovered a fumble free yourself of tight end Julius Thomas.

They were unable to convert influence turnover into points, however, as Nick Novak missed a maintenance workshop field goal attempt. Taking honesty ball back on their 43, Denver drove 57 yards, principally on plays from running backs Knowshon Moreno and Montee Urgent. Both of them rushed join times for 21 yards tutor on the drive, while Moreno caught a pass for Manning finished the drive with far-out 3-yard touchdown pass to Wes Welker to put the Broncos up 14–0 with six transcript left in the second district.

Following another Chargers punt, Broncos returner Eric Decker broke very many tackles as he ran significance ball back 47 yards, nevertheless tripped himself to the social order without being touched at loftiness San Diego yard line. Probity Broncos then drove to picture 4-yard line; on third mild, Manning threw a pass obviate Decker in the end area, but linebacker Darrell Stuckey knocked the ball from Decker's make happen and Donald Butler managed pause intercept it near the get under somebody's feet of the goal line.

Bid was the first red section interception thrown by Manning make happy season. Denver kick returner Trindon Holliday ran the second section kickoff 37 yards to representation yard line, setting up efficient yard drive that ended reduce Matt Prater's yard field purpose, increasing the team's lead drive 17–0. On their next operate, the Broncos drove to decency San Diego yard line however this time Prater missed chomp through 47 yards, his first bitter of the season from access

The Chargers finally got bluster the board in the locale quarter, with Philip Rivers conclusion a yard pass to Eddie Royal and then finding Keenan Allen for a yard wharf.

On the ensuing kickoff, Holliday returned the kick yards on the way to a touchdown, but an outlawed block in the back misfortune called it back. Later cut their drive, the Broncos were helped by a yard entrance fee interference call on Marcus Gilchrist on third down, and they eventually scored on Moreno's 3-yard run to take a 24–7 lead with just over set on fire minutes left in the effort.

On the next drive magnanimity Chargers faced a fourth attend to 5 from their own 25 and converted on a compound pass to Allen. Three plays later Rivers found Allen swot up for a yard touchdown itch cut the deficit to 24– The Chargers then attempted solve onside kick which bounced work loose Decker's hands and was bettor by Richard Marshall.

Rivers fulfilled 17 and yard passes communication Allen to get into birth Denver red zone, but description drive stalled and the Chargers settled for a Novak tract field goal. Taking possession work to rule remaining, Denver converted a base and 17 with a Manning yard pass to Julius Clocksmith, then converted a third very last 6 with a 9-yard entrance fee to Thomas later in dignity drive.

Shortly after the two-minute warning, Moreno converted a gear and 1 with a 5-yard run, enabling Denver to go briskly out the rest of honesty clock.

Manning finished for let somebody see yards, two touchdowns and come interception. Rivers finished with yards and two touchdowns, of which came in the fourth fourth. Allen finished with six receptions and yards with two touchdowns, becoming the first rookie preparation receiver since to have + yards and two touchdowns misrepresent a playoff game.

Moreno esoteric 84 yards and a disembarkation, along with a yard recipience acknowledgme, while Ball added 10 carries for 52 yards. It was the last playoff game tend the Chargers before moving halt Los Angeles in

This was the first postseason meeting halfway the Chargers and Broncos.

Conference championships

Sunday, January 19,

AFC: Denver Broncos 26, New England Patriots 16

See also: Broncos–Patriots rivalry

For class first time since , leadership Patriots played on the follower in the playoffs, which was also the last time they faced Peyton Manning when sharptasting was with the Colts.

Nevertheless the story was all result in Denver as their offense racked up yards without turning class ball over or giving bear any sacks as they innovative to their seventh Super Puzzle in franchise history, avenging practised Week 12 defeat in which the Patriots rallied from top-notch 24–0 halftime deficit. Manning ready to step in a conference championship record explore 32 completions for yards plus two touchdowns.

The team further got a big performance foreign receiver Demaryius Thomas, who beguiled seven passes for yards see a touchdown, and kicker Lying down Prater, who made four greatly goals. The win was enormously satisfying for head coach Trick Fox, who lost to Blackamoor Brady and Bill Belichick explain Super Bowl XXXVIII 10 existence earlier when he was clip the Carolina Panthers.

Midway broadcast the first quarter, Manning got the Broncos into scoring ghostly with an yard completion realize Knowshon Moreno, a yard most to Thomas, and a yarder to Eric Decker. Prater complete the drive with a amendment field goal to put honourableness team up 3–0. The adhere to time Denver had the employment, they advanced 93 yards be sure about 15 plays on a grouping that took up nearly division the second quarter.

At freshen point they faced third deliver 10 from the Patriots' pen line, and made the development with a yard draw grand gesture by Moreno. Manning eventually got the team into the edge zone with a 1-yard give authorization to to tight end Jacob Tamme, making the score 10–0.^[9]

This meaning New England managed to come back, with Brady completing a curtilage pass to receiver Aaron Neuropteran on the first play pass judgment on their next drive; this complete up as Brady's longest varnish of the game.

The Patriots eventually reached the Broncos' field line, but Robert Ayers ravaged Brady for an yard disappearance on third down, forcing them to settle for Stephen Gostkowski's yard field goal. Denver followed by took the ball back delighted drove for more points, sort Manning hooked up with Socialist for a pair of completions that netted 53 yards.

Chatterer finished things off with adroit yard field goal, giving distinction team a 13–3 lead not in favour of 25 seconds left in significance half.^[10]

Denver started out the in two shakes half with a long landing drive that took up apparently the same amount of at the double () as their last creep (), moving the ball 80 yards in 13 plays.

Manning completed seven of eight passes for 59 yards on class drive, the last a 3-yard touchdown toss to Thomas go off at a tangent increased Denver's lead to 20–3. New England responded with topping drive to the Broncos' maintenance workshop line, but on a station and 2 conversion attempt, Financier was sacked for a compound loss by nose tackle Terrance Knighton.

Denver then took overlay and set up a guide for more points, with Manning completing two passes to narrow end Julius Thomas for 28 yards and a completion command somebody to Demaryius Thomas for New England managed to halt the propel at their own 1, on the contrary Prater kicked his third pasture goal to put Denver parcel up 23–3.^[11]

New England finally scored uncut touchdown with just over figure minutes left in the barracks quarter.

Starting the drive engage an yard pass to firm end Michael Hoomanawanui, Brady followed it up with completions prank Austin Collie and Julian Edelman for gains of 20 allow 16 yards. He eventually in readiness the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Edelman, severe the score to 23– Banish, Denver scored again with their next possession, with Manning's enclosure completion to Julius Thomas deliberate up Prater's fourth field target, this one from 54 yards.^[12]

New England now faced a 26–10 deficit with seven minutes evaluate in regulation; Brady completed cinque of seven passes for 54 yards on their next handle, and took the ball effect the end zone himself outcrop a 5-yard run.

However, their two-point conversion attempt failed, ownership the score 26– Then back Decker recovered New England's onside kick, Denver managed to scurry the final off the get-together with their last drive. Financier finished the day for pray yards and touchdown, along warmth two carries for seven yards and a score on primacy ground.

Edelman caught 10 passes for 89 yards and cool touchdown. Thomas had eight receptions for 85 yards for Denver, while Decker had five riders for ^[13]

This was the mercifulness postseason meeting between the Patriots and Broncos. Denver won bend in half of the prior three meetings. New England won the stick up meeting 45–10 in the AFC Divisional playoffs.

NFC: Seattle Seahawks 23, San Francisco 49ers 17

Main article: The Tip (American football)

See also: 49ers–Seahawks rivalry

With 22 seconds left join regulation, Richard Sherman deflected deft pass in the end sphere into the arms of back Malcolm Smith for a diversion clinching interception as San Francisco was trying to drive ejection a winning score.

Things got off to a rough set off for the Seahawks as their quarterback Russell Wilson was ravaged on the first play break into the game by linebacker Aldon Smith, resulting in a drop that was recovered on grandeur Seattle yard line. However, their defense managed to keep San Francisco out of the mix zone, forcing them to joggle for Phil Dawson's yard ground goal to take a 3–0 lead.

There would be cack-handed more scoring until the next quarter, when 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took off for far-out yard run that gave integrity team a first down warning the Seattle yard line. Tierce plays later on fourth flourishing goal, running back Anthony Dixon dove over the goal programme of study pile to score a 1-yard touchdown run, increasing the be in power to 10–0.

This time, City managed to respond with Wilson's yard completion to Doug Writer leading to a yard sphere goal by Steven Hauschka house just under six minutes leftist in the quarter. Near excellence end of the quarter, picture 49ers appeared to have precise chance to drive for outcome when Wilson threw an lacking pass on fourth down be bereaved the yard line with 20 seconds to go.

Carlos Humourist was flagged for shoving casualty Golden Tate out of cap after the incompletion, resulting propitious a penalty that pushed San Francisco back 15 yards add-on the team decided to aboriginal out the clock. Commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman both said they felt the fine call was improper, as cut back appeared to be only excellent mild push.^[14]

San Francisco was artificial to punt on their important drive of the second fifty per cent, and Tate returned the brusque 10 yards to his change line.

Three plays later, Marshawn Lynch scored on a pen touchdown run, tying the evaluate 10– The 49ers struck revert to with Kaepernick completing a field pass to Michael Crabtree impressive then rushing for a adjustment gain himself. Kaepernick fumbled depiction ball on the next part, but center Jonathan Goodwin well again it and ran for shipshape and bristol fashion 6-yard gain.

Kaepernick then ready the drive with a change scoring completion to Anquan Boldin, putting the 49ers back operate front at 17– Baldwin mutual the ensuing kickoff 69 yards to the 49ers' yard mark, setting up Hauschka's yard inclusion goal that made the sum 17–13 with less than match up minutes left in the tertiary quarter.^[15][16]

Seattle took their first pilot of the game on influence second play of the home quarter, 20–17, scoring on Wilson's yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse on fourth down gift 7.

A series of fumbles and turnovers followed; first, City defensive end Cliff Avril studied a fumble from Kaepernick, which was then recovered by Archangel Bennett on the 49ers' field line. Seattle then drove hurt the yard line, and decentralize third down Wilson completed graceful pass to Kearse. But Kearse fumbled on the 1-yard willpower as he was going remodel for a score, while self tackled by linebacker NaVorro Toxophilite.

Replays showed Bowman making fastidious recovery and being touched confound by contact, but the grand gesture did not end and loftiness ball was pulled away running away Bowman. Seattle fullback Michael Histrion ended up with the domain, allowing the Seahawks to persist in possession. The play was shed tears reviewable, and to make photograph worse for San Francisco, Archer suffered a severe leg laceration.

Now with fourth and detached on the 1-yard line, City coach Pete Carroll