Eight teams made it to the post-season dance, but only two were still left standing as they extended their run all the way to Super Bowl XLVII.
Divisional Round
Baltimore 38 - 35 Denver
What a game! The Broncos had it in the bag until Joe Flacco's last-ditch Hail Mary to Jacoby Jones forced the game into overtime. It went to double overtime in the end and Peyton Manning threw a vital interception right at the end and Baltimore capitalised to kick the winning field goal to put them into the AFC title game.
Green Bay 31 - 45 San Francisco
This one was all about Colin Kaepernick as he exploded onto the scene. On just his eighth NFL start, he responded to throwing a pick six on his first drive by ripping the Packers defence to shreds with his arm and his legs to send the 49ers to Atlanta. Green Bay simply had no answer to the dual-threat quarterback.
Houston 28 - 41 New England
Tom Brady was at his best as he pulled apart the Texans defence to put New England into yet another AFC title game. Brady won a record 17th play-off game, eclipsing the great Joe Montana in the process, while running back Shane Vereen had a field day with three touchdowns to sink Houston who could not roll with the Pats' hurry-up offence.
Seattle 28 - 30 Atlanta
Matt Ryan and Mike Smith finally got the play-off monkey off their backs as they ended their long wait for a post-season victory, but they were made to work hard and sweat for it by a tough Seahawks side. Russell Wilson stormed back from 20-0 down to put Seattle 28-27 ahead in the final minute, but Ryan responded with a quick drive to set-up the winning field-goal.
Wildcard Round
Seattle Seahawks 24-14 Washington Redskins
Only the second all-rookie quarterback battle in play-off history went all RGIII's way early on with two TD throws putting the Skins 14-0 up, but Seahawks QB Russell Wilson was the last man standing, quite literally, as Griffin's knee gave way just as Washington did.
Minnesota Vikings 10-24 Green Bay Packers
Revenge was sweet for the Packers, who missed a bye thanks to a loss in Minnesota the week before, but even the super-human Adrian Peterson could not help the Vikes this time around.
Indianapolis Colts 9-24 Baltimore Ravens
Ray Lewis came dancing and screaming onto the field, and Ravens fans responded by cheering his every move as his last home game ended in victory and Baltimore extended his glittering career for one more game at least.
Cincinnati Bengals 13-19 Houston Texans
After a late-season struggle for Houston, many fancied the Bengals to avenge last season's play-off loss, but it never looked likely as the Texans proved too good - especially on defence.
