Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick passes as tight end Delanie Walker waits to run a route during practice Wednesday in New Orleans.

SUPER BOWL: Meet the key players in Super Bowl XLVII

Projected starters and key players for the Super Bowl:

Ravens upset Patriots to make Super Bowl

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. | Joe Flacco outdueled Tom Brady, throwing three touchdown passes in the second half and leading the Baltimore Ravens to their first Super Bowl in 12 years with a 28-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday for the AFC championship.

49ers head to Super Bowl, beating Falcons 28-24

ATLANTA | Make way Joe Montana and Steve Young. Colin Kaepernick is leading a brash new group of 49ers to the Super Bowl.

49ers head to Super Bowl, beating Falcons 28-24

The San Francisco 49ers bench erupts after the NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII.

Falcons say 49ers' Kaepernick poses new challenge

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. | Michael Turner's trademark high-pitched laugh filled the Falcons' locker room.

Falcons say 49ers' Kaepernick poses new challenge

Atlanta Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud greets teammate Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson during practice Thursday. The Falcons have good reason to respect the dual-threat skills of San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick when they meet in the NFC Championship on Sunday.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: Home sure is sweet to Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. | Home sweet home. Sure works for the Patriots in the AFC title game.

Home sure is sweet to Patriots

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis speaks during a news conference at the team's practice facility in Owings Mills, Md., Wednesday. The Ravens are scheduled to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship on Sunday.

Patriots beat Texans 41-28, Ravens up next

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. | Tom Brady idolized Joe Montana as a kid in the Bay Area. Now, he's surpassed his hero for postseason wins.

Patriots beat Texans 41-28, Ravens up next

New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen, left, is congratulated by quarterback Tom Brady after Vareen's eight-yard touchdown pass reception during the AFC divisional playoff.

Bryant's late FG lifts Falcons over Seattle 30-28

ATLANTA | Matt Bryant pumped his fist and celebrated atop the Falcons logo in the middle of the field. Tony Gonzalez broke down in tears. Matt Ryan relished the thought of not having to answer a familiar question.

NFL players don't want kickoffs to get the boot

DENVER | The eight teams left in the NFL playoffs can thank their special teams for a good part of their success. That's one reason players are still upset Commissioner Roger Goodell has floated the idea of abolishing kickoffs altogether.

RG3 hurt, Seattle tops Redskins 24-14 in playoffs

LANDOVER, Md. | Russell Wilson raced ahead to throw the final block on Marshawn Lynch's go-ahead touchdown run, and the Seattle Seahawks finally had a victorious road show.

Ravens top Colts 24-9 in AFC wild card

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) tries to get away from Colts free safety Antoine Bethea (41) and inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) on Sunday.

Ravens top Colts 24-9 in AFC wild card

BALTIMORE | The Baltimore Ravens wanted one long final ride for Ray Lewis.

49ers hope extra week allows Smith to return

SANTA CLARA, Calif. | The San Francisco 49ers' defense is that much more stingy with Justin Smith on the field.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III prepares for Sunday's wild card game against Seattle during a workout Wednesday at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va.