NaVorro Bowman, LB, San Francisco (Penn State) - Racked up 14 tackles and half of a sack in San Francisco's 23-20 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game.

Tom Brady, QB, New England (Michigan) - Threw for 239 yards on 22 of 36 passing and scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard rush in New England's 23-20 win over Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game.

Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants (Michigan) - Caught a 17-yard touchdown pass to put New York ahead in the fourth quarter, helping the Giants earn a 20-17 overtime win over San Francisco.

Rob Ninkovich, LB, New England (Purdue) - Made seven tackles in New England's 23-20 win over Baltimore.

Bernard Pollard, S, Baltimore (Purdue) - Tied for the team lead with 12 tackles in Baltimore's 23-20 loss to New England.

Devin Thomas, WR, New York Giants (Michigan State) - Recovered two fumbles on special teams, including one on a punt return in overtime to put New York in position to convert on the game-winning field goal, in the Giants' 23-20 win over San Francisco.