The New England Patriots started fast and didn't look back, advancing to the AFC Championship Game for the 5th straight year with a 27-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The loss snaps Kansas City's 11-game winning streak.
Quarterback Tom Brady led the Patriots all the way down the field in their opening drive, throwing on all 11 plays, which he capped off with an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski. New England added another touchdown late in the second quarter on a Brady one-yard touchdown run, and two Kansas City field goals made it 14-6 going into halftime.
The Patriots looks like they were going to run away with this game after Gronk scored his second touchdown of the game to give the Patriots a 21-6 lead, but the Chiefs responed with a 12-play drive, capped off by a 10-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Albert Wilson.
New England then started the fouth quarter with two straight field goals, and the Chiefs running back Charcandrick West added a rushing touchdown in garbage time to make the final score 27-20.
Brady had an excellent day - as we've come to expect - passing for 302 yards and recording three total touchdowns. Gronkowski finished with seven catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns, while star wideout Julian Edelman reeled in 10 catches for 100 yards.
Kansas City was far less effective as New England's defense forced two turnovers. Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith passed 246 yards, while leading rusher Charcandrick West accounted for only 61 yards on 17 carries, along with that late touchdown.
The Patriots now will face the winner of the Broncos-Steelers game in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday. If the Steelers win, New England will play at home. If the Broncos win, the Patriots will travel to Denver for the game.
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