Defensive and kicking squads scored touchdowns on Sunday to spark the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants to play-off triumphs, advancing each within a victory of Super Bowl XXXV. Rookie Anthony Mitchell returned a blocked field goal attempt 90 yards for a touchdown and Ray Lewis scored in the fourth quarter on a 50-yard interception to lift Baltimore past the Tennessee Titans 24-10.

The Ravens ousted the Titans, last year's Super Bowl runners-up and this season's winningest club, and will travel to Oakland next Sunday for the AFC title clash.

New York took the lead when Ron Dixon ran back the opening kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown as the Giants beat the visiting Philadelphia Eagles 2010. They will have home advantage next Sunday for the NFC title decider.

The Ravens hope to copy Tennessee's run of a year ago, when the Titans won once at home and twice on the road to reach the Super Bowl. Baltimore must try to win at Oakland, which has not staged a conference final in 25 years.

"When you go into the lion's den, you go in screaming and kicking and kick down every door 'til you find the son of a bitch," Raven coach Brian Billick said.

Tennessee kicker Al Del Greco missed two field goal attempts and the 38-year-old booter was denied redemption when his last effort was blocked and returned for a score to give the Ravens the lead for good with 12 minutes to play.

"I'm a big part of the loss. I'm not the whole reason for the loss," Del Greco said.

Ravens linebacker Lewis contributed his fair share with nine tackles and he snatched hope from Tennessee on their next possession, taking a bobbled pass and speeding away to the back-breaking final touchdown.

It was a similar story at East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the Giants' hard-hitting defence dominated for a ninth consecutive triumph over the Eagles.