The Indianapolis Colts edged the Miami Dolphins 37-34 to take a giant step in their attempt to go from worst to first in the AFC East division.

Mike Vanderjagt's 53-yard field goal in the final seconds gave Indianapolis their eighth win on the trot, and avenged a narrow home defeat against Miami in October.

The Dolphins, pre-season favourites to win the division, have lost three of their last four games.

St Louis became the first team to clinch a post-season berth with a 34-21 win at Carolina, clinching the NFC West.

Rams' quarterback Kurt Warner continued his remarkable season with three touchdown passes.

New England (7-5) stopped a three-game losing streak by beating the Dallas Cowboys 13-6 to keep their play-off wild-card hopes alive.

The Detroit Lions moved back into sole possession of first place in the NFC Central by beating the Washington Redskins for the first time in 34 years, 33-17. Former Skins wide receiver Desmond Howard provided the inspiration for Detroit. He returned a kick 68 yards for a score in the second quarter.

Tennessee fell two games behind Jacksonville in the AFC Central with a devastating 41-14 defeat by Baltimore.

The New York Giants ended a three-game losing streak by beating rivals, the Jets 41-28. Kerry Collins and receiver Amani Toomer combined for three touchdown passes.

Green Bay stayed in the thick of the NFC Central race, winning 3519 over the Chicago Bears.

Resurgent Arizona came from behind to beat Philadelphia 21-17.

Seattle suffered their second consecutive home defeat with a 30-21 setback against the Oakland Raiders. The Seahawks now lead the Kansas City Chiefs by just one game. The Chiefs won at Denver 16-10.

San Diego defeated Cleveland 23-10; Atlanta registered a season-high seven sacks to beat New Orleans 35-12; San Francisco lost 44-30 to Cincinnati for the first time in 25 years.