Tom Brady threw for 343 yards to steer the New England Patriots past the Los Angeles Chargers 41-28 and into the AFC title game for the eighth year running.
The Patriots will now meet the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend after powering past the Chargers on Sunday.
Running back Sony Michel rushed for three touchdowns, with wide receiver Julian Edelman racking up 151 yards for his team record fifth 100-yard game in the play-offs.
The damage was done early with New England scoring touchdowns on four drives before grabbing in a fifth after the Chargers fumbled a punt return to see them lead 35-7 at half time.
There would be no way back for LA from there as Pats coach Bill Belichick once again got the better of a play-off opponent by nullifying Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and hos play-making offence.
While Brady was looking at his very best, rookie rusher Michel was the big x-factor for the Patriots with his three scores and 129 yards running.
Victory over the Chiefs on January 20 would propel the Patriots into their fourth Super Bowl in five years.
The Chiefs and Patriots have met once before this season when New England won a thrilling 43-40 shootout at home, but this time around Kansas City will host the game at Arrowhead Stadium.
NFL Divisional Round results
- Indianapolis Colts 13-31 Kansas City Chiefs
- Dallas Cowboys 22-30 LA Rams
- LA Chargers 28-41 New England Patriots
- Philadelphia Eagles 14-20 New Orleans Saints
NFL Championship game schedule
Sunday January 20
- LA Rams @ New Orleans Saints - 2005 GMT
- New England Patriots @ Kansas City Chiefs - 2340 GMT
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