NFL win leader Indianapolis saw a Super Bowl dream end in misery while road triumphs on Sunday allowed bottom-seeds Pittsburgh and Carolina to sustain their title hopes.

PITTSBURGH’S ‘Big Ben’ tolled doom for Cincinnati’s first NFL play-off game in 15 years, while the Carolina Panthers advanced on Sunday with a defensive effort unseen in 25 years.

WHILE Cincinnati and the New York Giants battled to key division victories in the NFL on Sunday, Indianapolis remained unbeaten and clinched a play-off berth.

Carolina Panthers 29 New England Patriots 32

The New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers will meet at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas for Super Bowl XXXVIII.