NFL playoffs

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, the teams with the best records this past NFL season, will play in Super Bowl XLIV.

New Orleans fought off the Brett Favre-led Minnesota Vikings for a 31-28 overtime victory that ended with a 40-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley. Neither team grabbed control of the see-saw battle, which was tied four times. Saints quarterback Drew Brees had three touchdown passes in the victory.

It is the first NFL title game appearance for the Saints, who have linked their recent on-field success to the revitalization of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The Colts scored 24-unanswered points in a 30-17 victory Sunday over the New York Jets. Payton Manning threw three touchdown passes in the game.

The Colts will be appearing in their fourth Super Bowl, having lost Super Bowl III but taking Super Bowl V and Super Bowl XLI.

Super Bowl XLIV is Feb. 7 in Miami Gardens, Fla.