Tebow-inspired Denver upset Steelers, Giants cruise past Atlanta

Tim Tebow has led the Denver Broncos to a thrilling 29-23 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL playoffs on Sunday.

The quarterback threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime as the Broncos won the AFC wildcard game and set up a meeting with the New England Patriots on Saturday.

Thomas still had work to do when he caught Tebow’s pass, accelerating the best part of 60 yards from the Steelers defence before crossing.

The pass from Tebow (10 of 21 for 316 yards and two TDs) ensured the 11-second period was the shortest overtime in NFL history.

Pittsburgh playmaker Ben Roethlisberger completed 22 of 40 for 289 yards and one touchdown, and he brought the Steelers level in the fourth quarter after they had trailed for most of the encounter.

His 31-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery tied the game with three minutes 48 seconds remaining.

It was the first time a playoff game had been played under new overtime rules, and Pittsburgh would have had the chance to answer the Broncos’ score had they avoided conceding on the opening drive.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants were comfortable 24-2 winners against the Atlanta Falcons.

Eli Manning (23 of 32 for 277 yards and three TDs) led the way in the NFL wildcard encounter, meaning the Giants will meet defending Super Bowl champions the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan struggled against a strong Giants defence, making 24 of 41 passes for 199 yards.