The final Sunday of the regular season came with natural drama. Playoff spots were still up for grabs and momentum heading into the postseason is always a plus.

However, a tie nearly allowed a team to truly back into the playoffs. Needing only to beat or tie San Francisco at home, the Broncos lost to the 49ers in overtime.

The upset allowed the Chiefs to cap an improbable playoff run. After beating Jacksonville, Kansas City still needed Tennessee to lose to New England, Pittsburgh to beat Cincinnati and finally San Francisco to beat Denver.

After a 4-12 disaster of a season in 2005, the Jets are the biggest surprise participant in the deep AFC bracket. A win over the Raiders clinched a wild spot and means New York is hot heading into the playoffs, winning of five of six games.

The Chargers played with fire against the Cardinals. While the game was never really in doubt, both Phillip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson limped off the field during the game. San Diego ended the season on a 10-game winning streak and clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Heading into the season finale against Buffalo, Baltimore still had a chance to secure the top spot in the AFC. With the Chargers win, the Ravens had to settle for a first-round bye after winning a defensive struggle against the Bills.

If it's possible, the Patriots finished the season a quiet 12-4. New England looks to be hitting on all cylinders at the right time of year. Winners of three straight, the Patriots look to be peaking at the right time.

Although the Colts didn't look great against the Dolphins, Indianapolis kept Miami out of the end zone for the majority of the game. Peyton Manning passed Joe Montana on the career touchdown passing list, but the defense will still determine his Super Bowl fate.

The debate on how much to play your starters with nothing on the line was a short conversation in New Orleans. The Saints sat Drew Brees after just one series and had no problem watching the Panthers win in New Orleans. Despite a first-round bye, the Saints have lost two of three heading into the playoffs.

After clinching the NFC East and having already lost one quarterback for the season, the Eagles went with backup A.J. Feeley for most of the game against the Falcons. Even still, Philly piled onto Atlanta's woes and rides a five-game winning streak into a matchup with the Giants.

The Seahawks backed into the playoffs, losing three of four. Still, Seattle went on the road and won in Tampa Bay which is more than their divisional round opponent can say.

The Cowboys suffered their most embarrassing defeat of the season. With an opportunity to still win the NFC East, Dallas found a way to lose at home against the Lions. In typical Detroit fashion, even good things go bad. The win will cost the Lions the first pick in the draft.