Pats top Texans to advance to AFC championship

January 13, 2013 at 8:07p.m.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in postseason 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.