January 15, 1995: San Diego Chargers 17, Pittsburgh Steelers 13
While the 49ers were finally getting one over on the Cowboys to get back to the Super Bowl in the most intense rivalry of the time, things were a bit calmer in the AFC. Bobby Ross’ Chargers came into Three Rivers Stadium as six-point underdogs to Bill Cowher’s Steelers, a team they had beaten, 37-34, in Week 17 of the regular season. The conference championship was less explosive; more two great defenses trading haymakers. Pittsburgh held a 13-3 lead in the third quarter, but San Diego quarterback Stan Humphries — who completed just 11 of 22 passes in the game — threw late touchdown passes to tight end Alfred Pupunu and receiver Tony Martin to advance to Super Bowl XXIX. The only Super Bowl appearance in Chargers history turned out to be a nightmare, as Steve Young threw six touchdown passes in a 49-26 romp.