Masterful Manning pilots Colts past Kansas with dazzling display

COLTS quarterback Peyton Manning is well on his way to building a National Football League post season reputation, piloting Indianapolis to a 38-31 triumph over Kansas City on Sunday to reach the American Conference championship game.

Quarterbacks were in the spotlight in the day’s National Conference match-up also, but it was Eagles defender Brian Dawkins and kicker David Akers who finally settled the duel between Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia.

Dawkins intercepted Favre’s desperation pass in overtime and returned it 35 yards to set up Akers’ 31-yard field goal as the Eagles rallied for a 20-17 victory over the Packers.