The New England Patriots are going back to the AFC Championship Game, as they pulled away late for the 34-16 win over the Houston Texans.
It's the sixth straight year in which the Patriots are playing in the AFC Championship Game, setting the NFL record for most consecutive years in a conference championship game. Dion Lewis' performance led the way, as he became the first player in NFL postseason history with a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown and kickoff return touchdown in the same game.
Lewis caught his touchdown on New England's first drive of the game, and after the Texans answered with a field goal, Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.
Houston managed to climb back into the game in the second quarter, and Brock Osweiler's 10-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Fiedorowicz cut New England's lead to 14-13. However, that was the only touchdown the Texans scored in the game. Brady threw another touchdown to James White and Lewis capped his hat trick with a one-yard touchdown run to ice the game for the Patriots.
It was an uncharacteristically sloppy game for Brady, who threw two interceptions in this game after only throwing two interceptions during the entire regular season. He finished completing 18/38 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns with those interceptions, while Julian Edelman added 137 receiving yards on eight catches.
As for the Texans, their offense struggled for most of the night. Osweiler threw for just 198 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions of his own, while Lamar Miller rushed for 73 yards on 19 carries.
New England will host the AFC Championship Game next Sunday against the winner of tomorrow's Steelers-Chiefs game. Kickoff is set for 6:40 p.m. ET on CBS.
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