QB Peyton Manning welcomed Wes Welker back into the lineup with a touchdown and the Broncos narrowly avoided a repeat of their playoff slip from last year, advancing to the AFC Championship Game with a 24-17 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

They'll host the Patriots next Sunday, according to an ESPN.com report.

Colin Kaepernick threw for one touchdown and ran for another score as the 49ers defeated the Panthers 23-10 on Sunday to advance to the NFC title game for the third straight season.

Kaepernick completed 15 of 28 passes for 196 yards in the divisional playoff win, avenging his worst statistical performance of the season two months ago against the Panthers.