Updated: Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:06:30 GMT | By Barry Wilner, The Associated Press, thecanadianpress.com

Patriots beat Texans 41-28, Ravens up next

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, congratulates teammate Brandon Lloyd after Loyd's five-yard touchdown pass from Brady during the second half of an AFC divisional playoff NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in post-season play, throwing for three touchdowns Sunday to beat Houston 41-28 and lift the New England Patriots into the AFC championship game.

Brady got his 17th victory, surpassing his childhood hero, Joe Montana, by throwing for 344 yards. Seldom-used running back Shane Vereen scored three times, twice on receptions.

If Brady can lead the Patriots (13-4) past Baltimore (12-6) in next Sunday's conference title game, then win the Super Bowl, he'll equal the 49ers' Hall of Famer for NFL championships.

The Patriots and Ravens are meeting for the AFC title for the second straight year. Baltimore, which stunned top-seeded Denver in double overtime Saturday, lost 23-20 at Gillette Stadium last January.

Houston (13-5) performed far better than in a 42-14 loss here last month. But the Texans couldn't slow down Brady.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL