The best performances in the history of NFL conference championship games

New England's rookie running back helped spur the Patriots to the Super Bowl with a big day vs. the Chiefs. He took advantage of a weak Chiefs run defense to rush for 113 yards on 29 carries and score two touchdowns.

Williams helped in a multitude of ways for the Chiefs during the second half of the AFC championship against the Patriots, scoring three touchdowns. He had 96 yards from scrimmage on the day.

Mahomes had an impressive game in his first AFC championship despite a loss to New England. He threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

Foles continued his improbable run in the NFC championship for the Eagles. The backup quarterback threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns in Philadelphia's 38-7 win over Minnesota in the NFC championship.

Brady was brilliant yet again in a big game, completing 32-of-42 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns, tossing no interceptions. Brady's big day was simply more of the norm for the New England Patriots, as he led his team to a 36-17 demolition of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Neither the Patriots nor Steelers could do much of anything on the ground, leading to a pass-happy AFC championship game. That meant a big day for the wide receivers, and none was more impressive than former college lacrosse player Chris Hogan. Pittsburgh had no answer for Brady's go-to target on the day, as Hogan hauled in nine catches for 180 yards and two scores.

The Falcons rolled through the Green Bay Packers, 44-21, jumping out to a 24-0 first-half lead and never relenting. MVP Matt Ryan was the catalyst, completing 27-of-38 passes for 392 yards and four touchdowns without turning the ball over once. It was perhaps Ryan's most impressive playoff performance of his career.

Quarterback Matt Ryan can attribute part of his huge day to the play of stud wideout Julio Jones. The star receiver hauled in nine receptions for 180 yards and two scores, demoralizing the Packers and helping the Falcons reach Super Bowl LI.

Carolina had no problem taking care of the Cardinals to advance to the Super Bowl. Newton was 19-of-28 for 335 yards and two touchdowns, adding 10 carries for 47 yards and two scores on the ground.

The Patriots fed Blount early and often in a 45-7 win over Indianapolis. He had 30 carries for 148 yards and three scores.

The Falcons lost to San Francisco, 28-24, but Jones was a thorn in the 49ers' side. He had 11 catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns.

The New Orleans defense had a tough time stopping Peterson, who had 25 carries for 122 yards and three scores. New Orleans still won, 31-28.

The Jets lost to Indianapolis, 30-17, but Harris had a huge game with 11 tackles and two sacks of Peyton Manning.

A seasoned playoff performer from his days in St. Louis, Warner showed that he had another go-around with Arizona. He pummeled the Philly defense, finishing 21-of-28 for 279 yards and four touchdowns.

Arizona edged the Eagles, 32-25, due in large part to Fitzgerald's big day. He had nine receptions for 152 yards and three scores.

Gannon led the Raiders to the Super Bowl with an impressive win over Tennessee. He was 29-of-41 for 286 yards and three touchdowns, adding eight carries for 41 yards and one score on the ground.

McNair led the Tennessee offense in a losing effort at Oakland. He was 21-of-36 for 194 yards and one score, adding five carries for 53 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

The Rams returned to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons, and Faulk got plenty of work. He had 31 carries for 159 yards and two scores in the 29-24 win over Philadelphia.

The Giants had their way with the Vikings in a 41-0 win. Collins was 28-of-39 for 381 yards and five touchdowns.

Dallas returned to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years, as Smith ran over the Packers in a 38-27 victory. He had 35 carries for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

Irvin had a huge day in a losing effort against the 49ers. He had 12 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bills went to their fourth consecutive Super Bowl after Thomas' big day against the Chiefs. He rushed 33 times for 186 yards and three scores.

Smith ran over the 49ers in the NFC conference championship for the second straight year. This time he had 23 carries for 88 yards and one score, along with seven receptions for 85 yards and a receiving touchdown.

The Cowboys visited San Francisco and won 30-20, with Smith having a huge day. He had 24 carries for 114 yards and one score, adding seven receptions for 59 yards and a receiving touchdown.

Elway terrorized the Browns in the conference championship for the third time in four years in a 37-21 victory to advance to the Super Bowl. He was 20-of-36 for 385 yards and three touchdowns.

One year after "the fumble" against Denver, Byner tried to make up for his disappointment with a huge performance in the AFC championship game. He had 15 carries for 67 yards and one score, adding seven catches for 120 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Unfortunately it still wasn't enough, as Denver won, 38-33.

Marino came up big in his sophomore season as league MVP, and his great performance carried over into the playoffs. His Dolphins beat Pittsburgh, 45-28, as Marino was 21-of-32 for 421 yards and four touchdowns.

Montana's biggest statistical effort in an NFC championship actually came in a loss. The 49ers fell to Washington, 24-21, as Montana was 27-of-48 for 347 yards, threw three touchdowns and added 40 rushing yards.

Miami's defense dominated the Jets, led by Duhe. He had three interceptions and one touchdown in a 14-0 win. Jets quarterback Richard Todd threw five interceptions on the day.

Moses and the Broncos were able to celebrate on New Year's Day after a 20-17 win over Oakland. The wideout had five receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

Dallas dominated the Rams, 37-7, and Pearson played a huge role. He had only seven carries for 20 yards but added seven catches for 123 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

Dallas dominated the Rams in a 37-7 win, and Staubach had a huge day. He was 16-of-26 for 220 yards and four touchdowns, adding seven carries for 54 yards on the ground.

The defending champion Dolphins got to their second straight Super Bowl behind Csonka's performance in the AFC championship. He had 29 carries for 117 yards and three touchdowns.