Brady shines as Patriots crush Denver

The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers are one win from the Super Bowl after play-off victories in the NFL on Saturday.

Quarterback Tom Brady’s deadly efficiency helped the Patriots hammer the Denver Broncos 45-10 as they snapped a post-season three-game losing streak in style.

Brady threw six touchdown passes, including five in the first half, while the Patriots’ defence amply blanketed Tim Tebow’s Broncos.

Meanwhile, the 49ers reached the championship game for the first time in 15 years with a 36-32 win over the New Orleans Saints in San Francisco.

The 49ers pinched the win with only nine seconds remaining with the lead changing four times in the final four minutes.

Alex Smith hit Vernon Davis with the 14-yard touchdown pass to break Saints hearts and secure a thrilling victory.

The 49ers will play the winner of Sunday’s match between defending SuperBowl champions Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game, while the Patriots will face either Houston or Baltimore in the AFC decider for a spot in the Super Bowl.