The New England Patriots clinched a playoff berth Sunday with a 27-6 win over the Houston Texans.
Tom Brady was surgically precise, going 22-of-30 for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while Rob Gronkowski alleviated fears about his knee injury with four receptions for 87 yards and a score.
New England can clinch the AFC East for the seventh consecutive season if the Miami Dolphins lose Monday to the New York Giants.
With the victory, the Patriots avoided their first three-game losing streak since 2002.
The Texans' concerns will likely extend past Sunday's result, as quarterback Brian Hoyer left the game in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.
T.J. Yates took over in Hoyer's absence.
