Kansas City Chiefs meet the Denver Broncos on Sunday to determine who will challenge the Pittsburgh Steelers for a place in the Super Bowl.

One touchdown secured victory for the Steelers at home to the New England Patriots in a gritty game ending in a 7-6 win.

In the NFC, Tampa Bay Buccaneers fight the Green Bay Packers for the right to meet the San Francisco 49ers.

Steelers' Chad Scott breaks a pass for New England's receiver Terry Glenn

The 49ers convincingly booted the Minnesota Vikings out of the running on Saturday with a 38-22 victory.

Kordell Stewart secured the Steelers a place in the AFC title game when he ran 40 yards after an interception in the first quarter to get the only touchdown.

Suffering heavily from injuries, the Patriots never pulled back. The AFC title holder's biggest play was halted on the fourth and goal line.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said: "It was an ugly win, but what a great game if you like defence."

The game in San Francisco was dominated by the home side, taking the 49ers back to the NFC championship for the fifth time this decade.

Steve Young threw 224 yards and one touchdown and masterminded another three scores.

Terry Kirby rushed 120 yards and got two touchdowns.

Coach Steve Mariucci said: "We played well, we played hard and I'm proud of all of them. It's an exciting win for all of us."

He said he was looking forward to hosting either the Packers or the Buccaneers for the NFC Championship.

"We've got a big job to do, whether it's Green Bay or Tampa Bay," he said.
 

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