It was less than convincing, but the New England Patriots are heading to their sixth straight AFC Championship game after a 34-16 win over the Huston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady struggled, completing 18 of 38 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Brady only threw two interceptions during the regular season. With his 28 touchdown passes, that was the lowest touchdown-to-interception ratio in NFL history.
Houston's defence troubled the Patriots a number of times, but the offence could not get going, with receivers dropping a number of easy catches.
The Patriots led early thanks to an explosive Dion Lewis, who ran in a 13-yard touchdown in the first quarter. That was then followed by with a 98-yard kick-off return.
Houston responded with a touchdown midway in the second quarter, when Brock Osweiler found CJ Fiedorowicz in the end zone.
The Patriots led 17-13 at halftime, and extended their advantage when Brady threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to James White.
Osweiler then threw three curtail interceptions to end any hope of a famous upset.
The 26-year-old finished the game completing 23 of his 40 passes for 198 yards, one touchdown and three turnovers.
The Patriots will host either Pittsburgh or Kansas City in next week's AFC title game on Sunday (Monday NZ time).
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