The New England Patriots are heading back to the AFC Championship after smacking the Houston Texans for the second time this season, 41-28.

Houston got out to an early 3-0, but it was all New England after that. Tom Brady led the offensive explosion with 344 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Shane Veeren had his coming out party tonight scoring 3 touch downs, two of which were receiving scores. Wes Welker caught 8 passes for 131 yards. Matt Schaub threw for 343 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception for the Texans. Only downfall for the Pats this week was that tight end Rob Gronkowski re-injured his left forearm early in the first quarter.

The victory made Tom Brady the all-time leader in playoff wins for a starting quarterback with 17. The New England Patriots will host a familiar foe in the AFC Championship next Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens wi be looking to avenge last year’s loss, while the Patriots are looking for a return trip to the Super Bowl.