NFL: Carolina beat Seattle to move into Championship game

The Carolina Panthers have only ever reached the Super Bowl once, losing 32-29 to the New England Patriots in 2004

The Carolina Panthers held off a fightback from the Seattle Seahawks to move into the NFC Championship game.

The Panthers, who led 31-0 at half-time, beat the Seahawks 31-24 as they remain on course to win the Super Bowl for the first time.

They will meet the Arizona Cardinals after their 26-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

The Denver Broncos will host defending champions the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Denver were trailing 13-12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers with 10 minutes to go before CJ Anderson scored the only touchdown to help the Broncos win 23-16.

The Patriots, who are aiming to make a record ninth Super Bowl, ended the Kansas City Chiefs' 11-game winning run with a 27-20 success.

Carolina won 15 of their 16 matches during the regular season and looked on their way to an easy victory against Seattle. Two touchdowns from Jonathan Stewart and one apiece from Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen helped Carolina into a 31-point lead.

However, two touchdowns from Jermaine Kearse and one from Tyler Lockett brought Seattle within seven points, but Carolina held on.