0335: That's it from me this evening/morning. Thanks for reading and sending in your comments. I'll be back on 7 February for Super Bowl XLIV from Miami, where the New Orleans Saints will take on the Indianapolis Colts. You will also be able to listen live on BBC 5 live sports extra and watch live on the BBC. Watch highlights clips of tonight's games later this morning on the BBC Sport website (if you're in the UK), with extended highlights on BBC 2 at 2320 GMT. Surely you will have woken up by then! Sleep well.

0330: Coach Sean Payton lifts the George Halas trophy aloft and says: "This is for everybody in this city. This stadium used to have holes in it, it used to be wet. It's not wet any more. I'm so proud to be able to coach these players. There's no one else I'd rather hand this to than Drew Brees. I grabbed Brett Favre and said he was tremendous. I'm just proud to be a part of this. Who Dat!"

BBC summariser Greg Brady: "The Saints have to be better than they were tonight if they're going to beat the Colts. They need some of their bigger players to step up and play better."

From Derek Ferreira on Facebook: "Congrats to the Saints. They deserved it. Unfortunately Favre will be the goat for throwing a pick when he did not need to throw it at all."

0324: The platform is set up for the Saints to take possession of their first ever NFC championship trophy, 33 years after their formation, four years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city and left the team homeless for a season. And what an amazing way for them to win it. You have to feel sorry for Brett Favre, though. Could that finally be the end of his career?

Here's Hartley, who looks too young to shave: "Honestly, this is a dream come true. The feeling was so surreal. It's completely amazing."

0319: FIELD GOAL - SAINTS 31-28 VIKINGS
Hartley kicks and the crowd knows it's good even before it reaches the posts. New Orleans is going to host one helluva party tonight.

0317: We have another review and amazingly the catch stands. An incompletion makes it fourth and three at the 22, which means a 40-yard field goal try for Hartley. Vikings call time out to ice the kicker.

0313: Leber stops Bush in the backfield but Brees finds Robert Meachem for 12 to get the Saints back in field goal range. Kicker Garrett Hartley is in just his second year and there doesn't seem much confidence here. Vikings call time out and there's some doubt over whether Meachem hung on. Know what? I don't think he did. Bobbled it as he went to ground.

0311: Looks like the review was of whether Thomas kept control of the ball. He did. First and 10 at the 41 and there's another pass interference call, linebacker Ben Leber covering tight end Dave Thomas.

0308: Thomas takes the hand-off and leaps over the stack of bodies. Gets there, probably. Another review.

0305: There will be a review of the spot. All reviews come from the officials in overtime. Meanwhile, can you remember a more thrilling game? I think Patriots-Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII was the last time I saw two evenly-matched, quality teams go toe to toe like this.

0303: Colston again fails to gather, the ball pops out but none of the surrounding defenders can grab it. Henderson hangs on but is a yard short. Saints go for it on fourth down.

0302: Run, run then pass to Colston on third and six. He can't hold on but there's a flag for interference on backup corner Asher Allen to keep the Saints alive.

RT @nfl_uk Even tho Brett Favre has been in NFL forever, enough people still spell his name wrong for 'Farve' to be one of Twitter's Trending Topics

0258: So it's sudden-death overtime, whether you like the rule or not. Pierre Thomas is a surprise as kick returner, but gets it to the 39.

0256: Time to take stock here. The Vikings had a 51-yard field goal in their sights before the 12-man mistake, which made it 56. Still, they could have done something simple, maybe dump off for 5-10 yards. Instead, Favre tried to do it all.

0255: Time for another coin toss. Vikings call heads, it's tails, the Dome roof may be blasted off.

0254: Brees can't do anything with two plays, the clock ticks down and we're headed for overtime, which is exactly what this game deserves. Classic Favre, lurching from brilliance to boneheadedness.

0252: INTERCEPTION!I believe the phrase is "OMG". With seven seconds left, all Favre needed to do was throw short but instead he goes across his body in an attempt to find Rice and instead his Tracy Porter.

0251: Favre tried to call time out again but not before the flags fly for 12 men in the huddle.

0250: Peterson is bottled up (but holds onto the darned thing) and the Vikings call time out with 19 seconds remaining.

0248: That pass from Favre to Rice in the right slot was a thing of absolute beauty. Taylor rush for another first down and the Vikes are in field goal range. Kicker Ryan Longwell, who began his career alongside Favre in Green Bay in 1997, limbers up on the sideline.

0246: Berrian catches, spins and fights for 10 to gain the Vikes a first down but, more importantly, up to 1'30 in clock wastage.

0244: "We Will Rock You", former favourite of the London Monarchs at Wembley, goads the Superdome crowd into even more noise for this final stand. Peterson stopped to make it third and eight and the Saints take their penultimate time out with 1'52 left.

From James 'kp' Almond on Facebook: "I wonder if the medical profession recognise Fumbleitis as a disease??"

0242: Vikings have three time outs left and the Saints two as we take the two-minute warning. I'd expect Vikes to take as long as possible to drive for the field goal. Not much has gone as expected so far, though.

0241: On third and 18, Brees finds Henderson in the right slot for 16. At least it helps with field position on the punt, Darius Reynaud returning to the 22.

0238: We have 4'52 left to play as the Saints get started on their 19. Brees suffers the first sack of the game, at the hands of Ray Edwards, then Pierre Thomas is tackled for a loss.

0234: TOUCHDOWN SAINTS 28-28 VIKINGS
Adrian "Curate's Egg" Peterson was a bit rubbish with his first attempt but then bashes over right guard for his third touchdown of the night. Set the alarm for 7pm, Geoff.

From Geoff Goodall on Facebook: "If this goes to overtime, I'll be getting up just in time for Eastenders tomorrow!!"

0232: The delayed hand-off has been successful for both teams this evening. Peterson takes on 18 yards and passes 100 yards for the first time in nine games. Favre fade to Berrian in the endzone, incomplete but called pass interference on defender Tracy Porter. First and goal at the one.

0230: On third and six, Favre finds Visanthe Shiancoe (we text commentators know him as Ctrl-V) to take it to the Saints' 37.

From Anon via text: "Favre is a legend, I just hope the Vikings don't let him down."

RT @neilmonnery The Vikings have a QB who is darn near getting killed out there and his WR and RBs are being this careless with the ball.

0226: The challenge is dismissed, the Saints punt, it's not much cop and Favre gets the ball back around half-way.

Darren Fletcher, commentator on BBC 5 live sports extra: "For play-off football this takes some beating because there are so many twists and turns in this plot."

0223: Would the individual who greased all the footballs at the Superdome please desist! Brees struggles with the snap, gathers it but loses momentum with his attempted sneak on third and two. Coach Sean Payton throws his challenge flag again but this one is likely to be less successful.

0220: FUMBLE!
The fourth Viking turnover, and the second taken by Vilma, after Berrian allows Tracy Porter to casually knock the ball from his grasp. The Vikes are really shooting themselves in the foot.

0219: On third and 10, Favre throws across his body and into traffic to pick out Berrian for a gain of 30. What injury? I normally don't approve of high-scoring games but this is classic stuff, bruising to the bone.

0217: Peterson steps up perfectly to take the pressure off his ailing QB, spinning out of a tackle to the right and taking it 27 yards. Favre then fires into and out of the hands of Saints defender Jabari Greer as he tries to find Rice.

0212: TOUCHDOWN - SAINTS 28-21 VIKINGS
Referee Pete Morelli watches the relay and confirms the score by Bush, and the Superdome erupts. Favre grimaces. Let's see just how much he can do now.

0209: Third and goal from the four, Brees finds Bush at the one and he dives over the orange corner pylon. It is ruled as no touchdown but there's a challenge coming up. My first reaction was no score. Watching the replay, he may have been just over the pylon, which would mean six points.

0206: FUMBLE!Harvin is stripped of the ball by Will Smith, Remi Ayodele recovers it (Favre throwing himself into the pile) and the Saints have a gimme on the seven-yard line. Minnesota are trying their hardest to make this their last game of the year.

0205: Favre comes out in the spread formation but Percy Harvin motions into the backfield and dashes for a first down. Favre really hobbling here.

0202: Favre might have hoped for a bit more time than that as the Saints go three and out, and Brees is lucky not to have been picked off on third and eight.

0200: Favre is having his left ankle examined as the Saints offence takes over on their 31. He has been knocked over 11 times so far, is in obvious pain but is about as tough as they come.

0157: INTERCEPTION Favre is helped off the field after firing under pressure into a clutch of Saints defenders. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma makes the pick.

0154: Defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove is called for a personal foul for a tackle after Favre unloads - perhaps a little harsh as he already had a hold of the passer before he released. The resulting first down takes them past half-way.

0152: Adrian "Fumbleitis" Peterson continues his charmed existence as he coughs the ball up for the third time today, then dashes a further seven yards to recover despite the attentions of three defenders.

0147: On third down, Bush can't hang on to a short pass. There's a false start against the punt team, too, which backs the Saints up further but the punt is a good one and returner Darius Reynaud is bottled up at the 10.

0144: We get a glimpse of George HW and Barbara Bush in the stands as Roby flits this kick-off back to the 35.

RT @ryantryzbiak As a life-long Bills fan, please pass my condolences on to Lydia from Edinburgh. She has no idea what she's gotten into.

RT @iamtomdonlan Pfft, you don't want to be at Derby on the 7th. Staffordshire Stallions taking on Leicester Longhorns in Stoke!

RT @davidatl44 Hey Martin; enjoying your commentary from Ohio ... but there is no "u" in Mom!

I bet you don't even know what a semi-final is, David.

0140: TOUCHDOWN SAINTS 21-21 VIKINGS
All is forgiven, Adrian Peterson. He plunges over left guard to tie the scores up again. Breathe!

0139: Peterson is on the sideline and Taylor in the backfield but Favre ignores the easy option on third and two and instead goes deep right to Shiancoe who is taken down at the one.

0137:This is a little silly. Peterson fumbles again but the Vikings recover. Despite a loss of 10, Favre finds Shiancoe again next play for the first down.

0136: After a brief defensive interlude in the second quarter, we're back with the offensive fireworks, Favre finding Rice to the right then tight end Visanthe Shiancoe over the middle.

0130: TOUCHDOWN - SAINTS 21-14 VIKINGS
Don't blink - there's no time. Pierre Thomas rides the blocking of his right guard for a nine-yard score.

0127: The second half starts with a bang as Courtney Roby breaks free and returns the kick-off yards past half-way. Then Brees finds tight end David Thomas to reach the 20. Blink and the Saints are on the brink of a score.

RT @lmbiggie I live on Kedleston Road and was about to correct him before you did. I see the players in local chippy all the time!

The chippy? Come on Derby Braves, you're supposed to be finely honed student athletes. You'll be spending Friday nights boozing in the Blessington Carriage next.

RT @NickOGS20 Crazy, captivating game. seems to going in phases - a shootout for a while, defenses then stepped up, now the turnovers...

BBC 5 live sports extra summariser Greg Brady: "We thought it was going to be a 62-55 game. The first three possessions the teams scored but the defences have come to the forefront. Then fumbles in two of three plays. Remarkable."

0113: END OF SECOND QUARTER - SAINTS 14-14 VIKINGS
The clock runs down on the half and the Saints will be upbeat as they will receive the kick-off to start the second half.

0111:FUMBLE!
Oh for crying out loud, will someone please just hold onto the pigskin! Favre and Peterson mess up their exchange and Scott Fujita recovers for the Saints. Favre holds his head as he falls to the ground, signalling just how important an opportunity he missed there.

0108: FUMBLE!
That could be crucial. Reggie Bush fumbles the punt return and the Vikings recover on the 10.

0107: It's very, very rowdy as the Vikings face a key third and nine. Favre fires high of Berrian and the Saints will get one more chance.

0105: In the face of a nasty blitz, Favre finds Bernard Berrian on the right sideline around half-way.

0102: Boos ring out as returner Darius Reynaud gives a fair catch signal but muffs the punt and Jonathan Castillas hits him. Personal foul for 15 yards and the Vikes take over on their 32 with just under two minutes in the half.

From James Quinlan on Facebook: "If anyone's in the East Midlands area on the 7th February, Loughborough Aces at the Derby Braves (Keddleston Road campus) 1pm kick off, proceeds go to the. Derbyshire Association for the Blind. Great way to spend the day pre-Super Bowl."

There's only one "d" in Kedleston, James. What do they teach students these days? Have a great day, though. I'll tell my Mum to pop down. I hope you've invited local celebrity Arlo White too.

0057: Vikings linebacker Ben Leber gets his finger tips to a pass from Brees, arguably preventing safety Tyrell Johnson from making the interception. The Saints run a silly toss play on third and one and Bush is stopped short.

0055: Vikings go three and out with some physical coverage preventing Favre completing on two short attempts. As Bush receives the punt there is 3'42 left in the half and this game has lost a little momentum.

0052: Vikings middle 'backer Jasper Brinkley has been criticised over the last few weeks but he makes a key stop on runner Lynell Hamilton on third and one to force a punt.

0047: This drive stalls and the Vikings punt again, the Saints starting on their 18-yard line.

From Lydia in Edinburgh via text: "I hardly know anything about American football, but I'm trying to get into it. I've adopted the Bills as my team - I do love an underdog but i think i might have gone a bit far with this one."

Welcome, Lydia. The word "Bills", used to stand for Boy I Love Losing Superbowls, when Buffalo were good enough to get that far.

0042: And it's the Vikings' turn again to drive. This isn't a track meet like the Cardinals-Packers game of three weeks ago, though. Every yard is being fought for. Chester Taylor takes a screen for a first down then Peterson crunches over left tackle for another.

RT @dayoadedapo Lifelong Colts fan here. I'm so proud of the guys for stepping up. Now I hope these 2 beat each other up real good. Go Colts!!

RT @Noelinho "Superbowl semi-finals"? Please tell me I'm not the first to correct you on that? It's Chamionship Weekend!

Were you not around when we had this conversation four hours ago, Noel?

From James in Leeds via text: "Really enjoying this live feed, but I was wondering, why doesn't the NFL get the same auto-update treatment that most other sports do on BBC?"

My fault, James. I've broken some coding but no one can work out quite which bit.

0035:TOUCHDOWN - SAINTS 14-14 VIKINGS
This could be an absolute cracker of a game. Brees holds his nerve for what feels like an eternity and finds Devery Henderson in the right corner of the endzone to tie things up.

0034: The Saints are doing just enough to contain fearsome Vikes defensive end Jared Allen, then Thomas finds a hole over right tackle for 10 on the ground.

0032: Brees fires a couple incomplete but, on third and 10, he finds Bush on a curl pattern over the middle for 27 yards.

RT @ShaunLowrie The Saints have struggled to stop teams driving against them There's only so many teams you can win a shootout against...

Love that profile pic, Shaun.

0026: There isn't much on offer for the Vikings ground game as Peterson is wrapped up again. This puts more pressure on the 40-year-old Favre. Noise level at 102 decibels as Favre fires incomplete on third down.

From Jed Llewellyn Brookes-Lewis on Facebook: "Biology A level tomorrow... NFL or exams? No doubt which the winner is going to be ;)!"

That takes me back. My Biology GCSE exam was the day after the London Monarchs won the World Bowl at Wembley. I know which one I remember better.

0021: END OF FIRST QUARTER - SAINTS 7-14 VIKINGS
Bush gets his first touch on a reverse and in ludicrous scenes he loops backwards for 16 yards before regaining the line of scrimmage. Brees's pass to Colston on third down is a yard short so they punt to end the quarter.

0017: TOUCHDOWN SAINTS 7-14 VIKINGS
On third and goal, Favre stands tall against a nasty rush, pump-fakes then finds Sidney Rice over the middle for Rice's fourth touchdown of this post-season. Check out Neil Reynolds blog on Rice , if you have time between the pulsating drives in this game.

0015: Favre is taking some fearsome punishment, the latest a blow from safety Darren Sharper as he connects with Harvin inside the 10-yard line for his 461st post-season completion, breaking Joe Montana's record.

BBC 5 live sports extra producer Simon Crosse on Facebook: "FWIW - having been to 5 Super Bowls, this is better... Too many neutrals at Super Bowl. Too many people leaving early. Far more heat at this game than any Super Bowl I've been to."

Peter King of Sports Illustrated magazine is prolific on Twitter (@SI_PeterKing): "Just said to press-box-mate Don Banks in Superdome: 'Gonna be 41-40.' He said: 'By halftime.'

0010: A couple of Saints penalties - offsides then holding - keep this drive going, even though Favre is firing incomplete left, right and centre. Number four then finds Berrian for another first down.

0008: The Superdome crowd are on their feet and howling as Favre - who won his only Super Bowl title with the Packers in this stadium 13 yards ago - takes over again on the Vikings 22.

0002: TOUCHDOWN - SAINTS 7-7 VIKINGS
Pierre Thomas is supposed to grind out hard yards, not dance like Reggie Bush through a couple of tackles for a 39 catch-and-run touchdown off a screen pass to the right. That's the way to negate the Vikes pass rush.

0001: The Saints get their first look at the bullocking form of defensive tackle Pat Williams as the man with a spare tyre to spare is guilty of jumping offsides.

2359: After firing a couple of incompletions, Brees finds Robert Meachem on a receiver screen to the right, then Marques Colston for 13 over the middle.

2356: Let's see what the Saints can do as they start from the 24, behind quarterback Drew Brees and his fleet of young receivers. Pierre Thomas is likely to shoulder the rushing load, while Reggie Bush is a threat wherever he is on the field.

From Adam in York via text: "Just watched my first ever NFL game and am hooked. Glad I've got your text commentary, Martin, to help me understand it a bit better. Now I'm definitely staying up for the Saints vs Vikings game, looks like I'm going to be extremely tired for work tomorrow!"

Take the day off, Adam. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

2352:TOUCHDOWN - SAINTS 0-7 VIKINGS
Peterson takes the hand-off, cuts over right tackle behind a block from Kliensasser and romps clear for 19 yards for a score off the opening drive. That might quieten this crazy crowd a little.

2350: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin - who was a doubt for this game because of migraines - has the first carry. Adrian Peterson, who needs a solid game on the ground to set this game up, catches a short pass then runs into the red zone. Not much from the Saints defence so far.

2349: Favre fires successive first downs on the left, first to tight end Jim Kleinsasser then slot receiver Bernard Berrian. Some trouble with our aut-refresh this evening so please hit F5 to make sure you get the latest.

2345: Garrett Hartley kicks off through the endzone and childhood Saints fan Brett Favre takes the field with the Vikings. Living legend Favre fires incomplete to his tight end to start off. Vikes players apparently wearing earplugs to block out the noise.

RT @wynnne Vikes-Saints is almost too close to call. Home field advantage to see New Orleans through.

I'm going with the Vikings. Their pass rush in the victory over the Dallas Cowboys (sob) last Sunday was mightily impressive. Saints to kick off.

2340: The Saints have been a symbol of the New Orleans rebuilding effort since Katrina and, as they set their sights on their first ever Super Bowl there is some lusty singing of the Star Spangled Banner and a huge flag in mid-field. Commentator Darren Fletcher describes this as a "hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck moment".

2338: There is speculation that the crowd noise could hit 130 decibels - something akin to the noise of a jet plane as the two highest-scoring teams in the NFL this season go head to head.

2337: We're getting ready to go in New Orleans, where a stadium that was at the centre of the disaster when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, is a riot of boos as the Minnesota Vikings take the field.

2325: One of the big stories after this game is going to be Garcon, who was born in Haiti and has had an anxious fortnight, trying to find out whether his extended family are safe after the earthquake there.

2124: Peyton Manning gets his hands on the Lamar Hunt trophy with ticker tape all around him and says: "It's very special. It's great to win this Championship here at home. We were very humble this week, just kept our mouths shut and went to work. When called upon, Pierre was outstanding today."

2315: I'm going to take a short break before the second game of tonight's double-header, with the Vikings and Saints warming up in New Orleans. Kick-off scheduled for 2340 GMT.

2313: Inexperienced receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have been the stars tonight. Garcon is commentator Randy Cross's player of the game after an AFC title game record of 11 catches for 151 yards.

Collie snared seven catches for 123 yards - including a game-turning touchdown just before the half - and says: "All week, Pierre Garcon and I knew we had to step up. Peyton did a wonderful job with us so we knew what we were doing. The coaches did a great job."

2308: Sanchez is completing passes against a prevent defence but the Colts keep the Jets receivers from stopping the clock.

2307: Looks like the Colts are heading back to Miami, where they beat Chicago in the Super Bowl three years ago. They're forced to punt but they Jets only have 1'06 to score twice. Even Joe Namath can't save them now.

From Mike Revell on Facebook: "I looked up "Unstoppable" in my thesaurus, and every synonym was "Peyton Manning". Weird."

2259: INTERCEPTION
That's game over. Sanchez fires high over his intended receiver and Kelvin Hayden is on hand to pick it off. There is 2'05 left and the Colts take over on their own 46.

RT @JamieCutteridge Jets offense hasn't shown up in the second half. Massive respect to Peter Waiter (Pierre Garcon) he's had a massive game

RT @jonathansrubin Jet's D looking tired - does this mean the Colts were correct to rest players at the end of the regular season?

2256:FIELD GOAL - COLTS 30-17 JETS
Stover who, at 42, has his sights on becoming the oldest player to appear in a Super Bowl, slots through from 21 yards out.

2254: Addai is held a yard short on third down. The Colts look like they're going for it on fourth down and one from the two but then they call the time out and bring kicker Matt Stover out.

2249: Even if you have TV pictures it's well worth having a listen to the radio commentary on 5 live sports extra, where the veteran American play-by-play guy sounds like an auctioneer. Manning is finding Garcon for fun now, hitting another long one to put them on the Jets' 12 and give him his 11th reception for a total of 151 yards.

2246: There's another one, a pin-point eight-yarder to Garcon on third and three.

RT @daviddickson22 Giving Peyton Manning first downs for free with penalties is not going to make this job any easier for the Jets.

2243: With eight minutes left, the Colts are going to "bleed" now, taking the full 45 seconds between plays and running often. Both teams have all three time outs left, though, so if the Jets get a drive going they still have time.

RT @peterward2008 That's the game. Jets needed a lead at the half. Jets D looks beat up and tired.

2241: The Jets go three and out after a pair of incompletions by Sanchez against so impressive coverage.

2235: TOUCHDOWN COLTS 27-17 JETS
Manning hits tight end Dallas Clark with a play-action pass over the middle from the left and it looks like the Colts have this one in the bag, having been down 17-6 late in the first half.

2233: Manning passes the 300-yard mark for the seventh time in the post-season - an NFL record - and this passing game is really clicking now, much better than they have been in the last two victories. A face-masking call on James Ihedigbo gives them 15 more and takes them into the red zone.

2230: Reggie Wayne catches for the first down, coughs the ball up but manages to fall on it after a heart-stopping second.

2227: A messed-up play-action fake leaves the Jets with a third and eight that they are too well-covered to convert. Weatherford's punt is a good one but it just bounces into the endzone for a touchback so the Colts will take over on the 20.

2225: Jerrico Cotchery really is Mr Third Down, with his third conversion of the evening a diving effort. Jones just can't get it done, though, and each third down is a long one.

From Thomas Stott on Facebook: "Rex Ryan would probably be happy at the start of the game going into the 4th quarter only down by a field goal. A bit of luck, the right bounce of the ball, and Indy's Super Bowl dreams could be crushed."

From James in Leeds via text: "Can you please stop spelling Shonn Greene's surname wrong? There's an 'e' on the end (an American thing, I don't understand it either.)"

Well subbed. Thanks James.

2220: END OF THIRD QUARTER - COLTS 20-17 JETS
It looks like Greene has rib trouble but he is back in pads on the sideline and the Jets may need him as Jones is bottled up. Sanchez finds Cotchery on the right, though, to keep the drive alive.

2217: The Colts are forced to punt for the first time since the first quarter after Manning struggles against heavy pressure and throws incomplete on third and seven. It's a good one, though. Pat McAfee uncorks a 52-yarder to the Jets' 11.

2214: The Jets are clearly expecting the pass but the Colts are too canny and Addai busts up the middle for 17 to start this drive.

2210: David Clowney makes a catch out of bounds then Edwards can't cling on. All Sanchez can manage is a short screen to his fullback Richardson so it's time for a punt. Really feels like that Collie TD just before the half was a momentum-changer.

2209: Sanchez stands tall and finds Keller over the middle. The Jets are continuing to pick up annoying penalties, though, this time a false start by the wonderfully named D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

2206: Both Garcon and Collie have over 100 receiving yards now, with Manning having thrown for 275. Jets back Shonn Green emerges from the X-ray room without his pads so not sure if he'll be back. Thomas Jones gets some decent yards but there is a flag for holding. Meanwhile Sanchez takes a hit after the hand-off, leaving coach Ryan livid with the officials.

Neil Reynolds on 5 live sports extra: "This will be a real test - the first time Sanchez will be on that field with a lot of noise."

2201:TOUCHDOWN - COLTS 20-17 JETS
That could have been a play from any time in the last decade, a fade pass from Manning to the right corner of the endzone but it was Pierre Garcon on the end of that one, rather than Marvin Harrison - Manning's favourite target for much of his career who has now retired.

2159: Addai is in action again, with a first down from a screen pass, beating two Jets defenders who have plaster casts on their arms. Garcon takes a quick slat from the right and it's first and goal from the four. Clinical.

2157: The Colts' passing game continues the momentum they gained just before the half, Manning finding Collie to convert on third and three then Garcon on the right for another first down to the 28.

2155: More bad news for the Jets as running back Shonn Green limps to the locker-room, with what looks like hip trouble.

2152: MISSED FIELD GOAL
The drive stalls and Jay Feely is asked to try from 52 yards out. A poor snap, a late place and it's well wide to the right. The Colts now get to start their drive at their own 42. Not sure that was the right call.

2151: Sanchez is getting some great protection, rolling out to his right to gain more space. He finds Cotchery for another tight-rope reception.

From @ShaunLowrie Twitter: "That score by the Colts changes the whole game in a way. The Jets could have made it a 3 score game with next possession..."

2149: Shonn Green runs for a Jets first down is shaken up and heads to the sidelines. The Colts held the New York running game in the first half but the effort must surely have taken its toll.

2147: We're under way in Indy, where the Colts, who have led the league in third-down efficiency in each of the last five seasons, have converted just one chance in five so far.

2135: Darren Fletcher and Greg Brady are at the Superdome in New Orleans for BBC 5 live sports extra. Darren got stuck in a lift for over an hour yesterday but thankfully he is out in time for kick-off against Minnesota later.

2133: END OF SECOND QUARTER - COLTS 13-17 JETS
Rex Ryan of the Jets will be the happier of the two coaches as they head to the locker-rooms. A crucial late score for the Colts, though.

2130: Sanchez gets another chance before the half, with a time out remaining but the Jets look like they're happy to run it out. They will get possession to start the second half. Sanchez takes a knee on third and three and the Colts are out of time outs.

2127: TOUCHDOWN COLTS 13-17 JETS
With the pressure on, Manning hits back perfectly, with successive passes to Austin Collie, who take a long one over the middle then makes an acrobatic catch for the score.

Neil Reynolds on 5 live sports extra: "The Jets are playing so tough defensively. It's absolute blanket coverage."

2121: FIELD GOAL COLTS 6-17 JETS
Feely missed from 44 yards earlier but he slots it down the middle from 48 yards out to make it a two-possession game.

2119: The Jets are hit by a false start penalty then Green is stopped in the backfield to make it third and 16. Jones runs for five and the Jets are clearly looking for the field goal with 2'16 left in the half.

RT @Chappers67 Wk16 (when Colts rested Manning and the Jets beat them 15-29) showed why Manning got MVP ... without him, the Colts are NOTHING!

2116: FUMBLE!
Scratch what I just said. Lineman Kelvin Pace delivers a stonking blow and forces Addai to cough the ball up, giving the Jets possession on the Colts' 30.

2114: Addai has another DIY first down, with a sweep right for nine then a dive over right guard. Manning and Co are under pressure but Addai is easing it.

2111: TOUCHDOWN - COLTS 6-14 JETS
A great play from Sanchez, connecting with tight end Justin Keller just before Sanchez is knocked to the turf. And a great call from 5 live studio summariser Neil Reynolds, who name-checked Keller as best bet for the score about 15 seconds earlier.

From Kevin Mcveigh on 5 live's Facebook page: "How did Manning get MVP this season? Despite being in a stronger team I don't think he achieved as much as Favre, Breed, Romo or Rodgers. He certainly didn't do as much as he has done previously."

2109: Sanchez sees his first real pressure but manages to offload a pass out of bounds. Jets camped out in the red zone and call a time out.

2106: The Jets line up in a wildcat-style formation, with back-up receiver Brad Smith taking the direct snap but instead of running, he drops back and hits Cotchery for 45 yards to the 12.

2103: The Jets finally break a decent run, with Green taking 12 over right tackle. Former Colts coach Tony Dungy is in the crowd, playing with his phone, perhaps texting current incumbent Jim Caldwell: "Great job on run D so far".

From Daniel via text: "I think the BBC is doing a great job promoting American football and the NFL but please treat us as real fans with at the very least a basic knowledge of the game"

Surely it doesn't hurt the real fans - and there's plenty here for them. We just want to make clear to casual observers that we're just one game away from the big one. Try explaining conference championships in any other single term.

2059:FIELD GOAL - COLTS 6-7 JETS
A magnificent goal-line stand from the Jets. Garcon drops in the endzone in heavy coverage then Collie is held up just short. Manning tried the sneak up the middle from the one but can't do it. Stover slots through from 19.

2055: A surprising reversal of rushing for so far - the Jets struggling with just 14 yards so far and the Colts finding holes. Indy take to the air on third and two, though, and Collie makes amends with a catch over the middle that takes them to the four yard line.

2054: Addai has shoulder trouble but returns to the field and gets a first down on his own - stretch play left for eight then a bash up the middle.

2051: Rookie Austin Collie drops a sitter and the Colts fail to convert on third down but they gain a reprieve as the Jets are penalised for having 12 men on the field. Wayne holds on for a gain of 25 next play.

An update from@peterward2008on Twitter: "What a throw by Sanchez. What a move by Braylon Edwards. My prediction did not count on Sanchez being allowed to throw it."

2047: Word from the NFL is there will be no second Wembley game next year despite lots of speculation. The league are citing uncertainty over the collective bargaining agreement, which governs player salaries and could leave teams out of pocket next year.

2045:TOUCHDOWN - COLTS 3-7 JETS
With the very first play of the drive, the Jets hit gold. Sanchez hits Edwards with a play-action pass on the left sideline and the former Browns receiver dashes for the longest play of the Jets season and the longest of their play-off history.

2042:FIELD GOAL - COLTS 3-0 JETS
Chip shot from Matt Stover from 25 yards out. Indy deserved more from an impressive drive, though.

2039: END OF FIRST QUARTER - COLTS 0-0 JETS
Manning connects with Garcon on the right sideline on third and goal but the receiver cannot reach paydirt and we'll have a field goal try at the start of the second period.

2038: I'm hearing first-choice back Joseph Addai is back in the locker-room. Will let you know more when I know more. Donald Brown is the man for now. Colts pegged back by a false start.

2033: It's that man Garcon again, with a cracking over-the-shoulder catch for 36 yards to take them to the nine. Just over a minute left in this first quarter.

2031: Indianapolis finally get things moving with successive first downs - a Donald Brown run up the middle then a quick throw to Pierre Garcon, who jinks for 27 to get the Colts in the Jets' half for the first time. Garcon was born in Haiti and still has family on the island.

2026: For some crazy reason, the Jets opt to run on third and eight, and Jones gets just three. They have the Colts on the back foot, though, after a 61-yard punt-and-roll from Steve Weatherford puts the ball on the 11 yard line.

If you're listening to 5 live sports extra, have a look at the commentary team's Facebook group , where there is lots of in-game discussion.

From Michael via text: "Come on you Jets! Jets fan here but can't watch the match because of being away with the army. Gutted!"

2021: The Jets drop Manning again for a loss of seven, then Manning fires incomplete to tight end Dallas Clark on third and 12 so the Colts are forced to punt once again. This is nothing like the well-oiled Colts machine we are used to seeing.

From Anon via text: "Seriously Martin, if you're hoping to increase interest you need to put up the right vocabulary. The Americans never refer to a semi final, it's a conference championship game."

Yes, yes it is and how many people in the UK know what that means?

Neil Reynolds on 5 live sports extra: "When you get down there, if you can't get a touchdown you have to come away with three. That's unforgiveable.

2018:MISSED FIELD GOAL
The Jets drive stalls and Jay Feely is left to line up a 44-yarder but hooks it just wide right!

2016: Should have put my predictions down before kick-off but cash is on the Jets to out-muscle the Colts in this one, then the Vikings defence to dominate New Orleans in the late game. Greene stuffed on successive plays by the Indy D. Maybe forget the first bit.

2014: Shonn Greene splits time with Thomas Jones in a bruising Jets backfield. He finds the first down with a blast over right guard then Sanchez connects with Braylon Edwards on a crossing pattern and the Jets are already on the Colts 21

2012: After the punt, the Jets take over with couple of runs. The Colts are without cornerback Jerraud Powers, who has a foot injury. On third and six, young Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez hits Jerrico Cotchery with on the sideline and the veteran just keeps his feet in bounds.

2010: Several of you on Twitter asking why we're calling it the Super Bowl semi-finals. Because we want as many people as possible to know exactly what's going on.

2008: Sack! Facing third and long, Manning drops back but the Colts line fails to pick up a blitzing David Harris and the linebacker fells Peyton.

2006: We're off in Indy, with a decent run-back meaning the Colts start on their own 30. Peyton Manning hits his star receiver Reggie Wayne for a first down in the left flat off the first play.

2003:Your guess as good as mine as to quite when this will kick off as American TV has its say. Some time soon, though. Neil Reynolds has his cash on the Colts in a game which pits the league's top pass offence in the Colts and the league's best run offence

1959: Arlo White and Neil Reynolds are in action for BBC 5 live and you can listen live if you're in the UK

1957: You've been having your say already. Some early action on Twitter:

RT @BobbyRooney123 Massive Jets fan for 11 years, this is the Biggest game I can remember since 1998, miracles if we win today, Favre reunion?

RT @peterward2008 Colts win unless the Jets D unsettle Manning. Saints Vikes = Shootout. Work tomorrow not so good. lol.

RT @kkir Favre-Brees is going to be an amazing matchup.

1952: First to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where we have a rematch of Super Bowl III. Joe Namath - Jets quarterback and Super Bowl guarantor back in 1969 - is in the crowd as the men in kelly green bid to return to the big game for the first time since then. He doesn't look quite as smooth as he did back in the day but he still has an attractive young lady on his arm - his daughter. There are pics in our photo gallery

1945: Evening all. Many of the games in the NFL play-offs so far have been pretty one-sided but that's unlikely to be the case this evening, with a couple of cracking match-ups. First off we have the upstart New York Jets visiting Indianapolis and the veteran Colts, then the Superdome in New Orleans plays host to the Vikings of Minnesota.