The theme of the weekend was ground and pound as the Patriots, Seahawks and 49ers advanced to the Conference Championships.
New Orleans Saints free safety Rafael Bush (25) hits Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (right) in front of Saints defensive back Trevin Wade (30) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Joe Nicholson
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs past the New Orleans Saints for a touchdown during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Kirby Lee
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball against New Orleans Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks (76) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Joe Nicholson
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (second from right) is congratulated by quarterback Russell Wilson (3) for scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Joe Nicholson
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the football against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Steven Bisig
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints cornerback Corey White (24) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Joe Nicholson
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) and defensive end Cliff Avril (56) sack New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the third quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.Elaine Thompson/The Associated Press
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril celebrates a sack during the third quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.John Froschauer/The Associated Press
New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) celebrates after running for a 1-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.Elaine Thompson/The Associated Press
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field.Steven Bisig
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) celebrates with tight end Zach Miller (86) after running for a 31-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.John Froschauer/The Associated Press
Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) jump for a pass that was caught by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem (17) during the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.John Froschauer/The Associated Press
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Saints 23-15.Steven Bisig
A television cameraman checks his equipment in the rain before an AFC divisional NFL playoff game between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.Michael Dwyer/The Associated Press
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.Mark L. Baer
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Josh Gordy (27) in the first half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.David Butler II
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium.Andrew Weber
New England Patriots outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) intercepts a pass during the second quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium.Andrew Weber
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.Mark L. Baer
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass while being hit by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) during the third quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.Andrew Weber
New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Ricky Jean Francois (99) and inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) in the end zone for a two point conversion during the third quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.Andrew Weber
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) heads downfield for a touchdown during the second half of an AFC divisional NFL playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.Matt Slocum/The Associated Press
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) meet the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43-22.David Butler II
San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) tackles Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) during the first half of a divisional playoff NFL game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C.John Bazemore/The Associated Press
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Bob Donnan
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) makes the catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25) for a touchdown during the first half of a divisional playoff NFL game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C.Chuck Burton/The Associated Press
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Jeremy Brevard
San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) jumps off sides against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of a divisional playoff NFL game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C.John Bazemore/The Associated Press
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Jeremy Brevard
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws a touchdown to tight end Vernon Davis (85) against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Bob Donnan
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Bob Donnan
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) points to the divots tight end Vernon Davis (85) made on a touchdown catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Bob Donnan
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is brought down by Carolina Panthers cornerback Melvin White (23) during the second quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Sam Sharpe
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) celebrates a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of a divisional playoff NFL game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C.John Bazemore/The Associated Press
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the third quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Sam Sharpe
San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.Jeremy Brevard
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) stands on the sideline during the second half of a divisional playoff NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers lost to the 49ers 23-10.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Charlie Riedel/The Associated Press
Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs after a reception in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler (56) during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Matthew Emmons
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates with Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson after scoring on a two-yard touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Jack Dempsey/The Associated Press
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) watches with San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Donald Butler (56) as the balls bounces away after fumbling a catch in the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver. San Diego recovered the ball on the play.Jack Dempsey/The Associated Press
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) is tackled by San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32)and outside linebacker Jarret Johnson (96) in the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Charlie Riedel/The Associated Press
Denver Broncos cornerback D. Rodger-Cromartie (45) breaks up a pass against San Diego Chargers receiver Eddie Royal (11) in the second quarter during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Matthew Emmons
Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs after a reception in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Matthew Emmons
San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Bront Bird (97) and San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Lawrence Guy (71) react after a Denver Broncos field goal in the third quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Charlie Riedel/The Associated Press
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) catches a 16-yard touchdown pass against Denver Broncos cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) in the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Jack Dempsey/The Associated Press
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts to a foul called towards line judge Jeff Seeman (45) and referee Terry McAulay (77) in the third quarter during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Ron Chenoy
San Diego Chargers running back Ronnie Brown (23) runs with the ball against Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) in the fourth quarter during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Matthew Emmons
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) follows through on a pass against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Jack Dempsey/The Associated Press
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown against Denver Broncos free safety Michael Huff (29) in the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver.Jack Dempsey/The Associated Press
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) leaps for an onside kick by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Denver. San Diego recovered the kick.Joe Mahoney/The Associated Press
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Matthew Emmons
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) after the 2013 AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos beat the Chargers 24-17.Matthew Emmons