FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) --Tom Brady took off for the end zone and dived for the pylon, taking a helmet in the back as his body sailed over the goal line.
The ball stayed out, but it didn't matter. The reigning Super Bowl MVP carried it in for a score on the next play, reaching over the line to convert in a way Kansas City couldn't Saturday.
Brady threw for two touchdowns to Rob Gronkowski and sneaked for another, and the defending Super Bowl champions reached their fifth straight AFC title game with a 27-20 victory over the Chiefs.
New England (13-4) will meet the winner of Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos for a spot in Super Bowl 50. The Patriots are trying to become the first team to win back-to-back NFL titles since they did it in 2003-04.
"It's pretty special to get back to another AFC championship game," said Brady, who will play in his 10th conference title game. "It's pretty cool. It's hard to do, man. You've got to grind throughout the entire year. There's only four teams playing next week and we're one of them. That game means a lot."
After spending the last two weeks recovering from knee and back injuries, Gronkowski caught seven passes for 83 yards, including touchdowns from 8 and 16 yards out. Gronkowski also recovered an onside kick after Kansas City cut the deficit to 27-20 with just over one minute left.
Julian Edelman returned from a broken foot to catch 10 passes for 100 yards for New England. Danny Amendola had two catches for 18 yards.
"It's just great to have those guys back," Gronkowski said. "They're hard workers, they're great players. The chemistry was clicking tonight."
Alex Smith completed 29 of 50 passes for 246 yards and one touchdown for Kansas City (12-6). The Chiefs had won 11 consecutive games, including a 30-0 victory over Houston in the wild-card round last week for their first playoff victory since 1993.
Brady led New England to a score on the opening drive, throwing 11 straight passes and completing eight - the last an 8-yard score to Gronkowski. The Chiefs then made it to the Patriots 16, but settled for a field goal.
After trading punts twice, the Patriots started on their when punt returner Danny Amendola was flagged for a helmet-first hit to coverage man Jamell Fleming. The drive was in danger of stalling at the Kansas City 35 when Chiefs linebacker Dezman Moses hit Brady late and was called for roughing the passer.
The stadium erupted in cheers of "Brady!" - just as it had four months ago when the four-time Super Bowl champion returned from his looming "Deflategate" suspension to play in the season opener.
Four plays later, unable to find an open receiver, Brady sprinted - sort of - for the corner of the end zone. The Chiefs managed to keep him out, but only for one more play. On the next snap, Brady leaned forward and reached into the end zone to make it 14-3.
"I thought I could try to make it. We were close. Not close enough, but we got in on the next play," said Brady, who shrugged off the two big hits on that drive. "It's football season, so there's bumps and bruises, but you've got to fight through those."
Patriots defensive lineman Chandler Jones forced Knile Davis' fumble on the Chiefs' first possession of the second half, then Brady added another touchdown pass to Gronkowski to make it 21-6.
Smith had the Chiefs into New England territory on their first six possessions, but they managed just six points before he hit Albert Wilson on a 10-yard pass that made it 21-13.
NOTES:Jones started the game, six days after he wandered to the local police station, shirtless and confused. Police said his house reeked of burnt marijuana. ... The Patriots are 18-4 all-time in the playoffs at Gillette Stadium. ... Jon Bon Jovi, a friend of Patriots coach Bill Belichick, was in the owner's box and led the stadium in a sing-along of his band's hit song "Livin' on a Prayer." ... Belichick reached the conference title game for the 10th time, tied with Tom Landry for most all-time.
View a collection of the best images from the Patriots Divisional Playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
Jan. 14, 2017. Patriots 34, Texans 16The Patriots improved to 2-0 against the Texans in playoff meetings thanks in large part to running back Dion Lewis, who became the first player in NFL postseason history to have a rushing TD, a receiving TD and a kickoff return for a touchdown. Lewis caught a 13-yard TD pass, ran for a one-yard score and covered 98 yards on his electrifying kickoff return. The game marked the final one in the 13-year career of former Patriots DT Vince Wilfork.Â
Kansas City Chiefs fan Chris Wilhelm, left, of Lancaster, Penn., and New England Patriots fan Mike Ross, right, of South Hamilton, Mass., spend time tailgating in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Pete Roy tends the grill while tailgating with friends in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Stan Kelly, of Concord, N.H., spends time tailgating in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
David Andrews -Â It's not too often that New England's center and first-year captain gets a lot of attention. But this week Andrews and his interior line pals must deal with J.J. Watt and the rest of an elite Texans pass rush that moved edge guys over the center last January to pressure Tom Brady. It worked then, but Andrews and Co. need to make sure it doesn't work again on Sunday.Â
David Andrews -Â It's not too often that New England's center and first-year captain gets a lot of attention. But this week Andrews and his interior line pals must deal with J.J. Watt and the rest of an elite Texans pass rush that moved edge guys over the center last January to pressure Tom Brady. It worked then, but Andrews and Co. need to make sure it doesn't work again on Sunday.Â
Kyle Van Noy -Â New England's veteran linebacker is seemingly settling into a key role in the front seven in his second season in Foxborough. Van Noy is a key part of the versatility and communication up front that will have to keep athletic rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson from making one of his game-changing big plays.
Brandin Cooks -Â The only completely healthy New England receiver also happens to be the Patriots most talented receiver. Through two games Cooks has been just OK, but sooner or later he's going to have a big day with big plays. The Texans could very well offer that opportunity.
Devin McCourty -Â The Texans are a very limited offense with a rookie quarterback and really only one receiver. The only way the visitors could even dream of pulling off the upset is through big plays, the area in which McCourty plays his biggest role. The Pro Bowl safety is the point man on keeping Houston from making big plays, which has been a problem for New England the first couple weeks.
J.J. Watt -Â New England hasn't seen a healthy Watt in a while. The former Defensive Player of the Year is back to his disruptive self as part of the Texans dangerous, multiple and versatile defensive front. Watt can ruin an offense's afternoon.
Whitney Mercilus -Â The edge defender was used in the middle of the defensive line to much success last January, notching a sack and three QB hits on Tom Brady. Mercilus, J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney are a massive challenge for the Patriots offensive line wherever the Houston defenders line up even though none of the three has notched a sack yet this season.
Deshaun Watson -Â There is no question that Houston's rookie quarterback is raw. There is also no question that Watson can be a playmaker, as the Bengals learned on his 49-yard touchdown to key the Texans road win last week.Â
Deshaun Watson -Â There is no question that Houston's rookie quarterback is raw. There is also no question that Watson can be a playmaker, as the Bengals learned on his 49-yard touchdown to key the Texans road win last week.Â
DeAndre Hopkins -Â The man known as Nuk is the only receiver the Texans really have to throw to. Hopkins leads Houston with 14 catches through two games, and was actually targeted 29 times out of the offense's 60 pass attempts this season. Stop Hopkins and you essentially stop the Texans passing game.
DeAndre Hopkins -Â The man known as Nuk is the only receiver the Texans really have to throw to. Hopkins leads Houston with 14 catches through two games, and was actually targeted 29 times out of the offense's 60 pass attempts this season. Stop Hopkins and you essentially stop the Texans passing game.
Lamar Miller -Â Given the limitations of the passing game, Houston has to run the ball. In two games Miller has 35 attempts for 126 yards for a 3.6-yard average, but he's capable of being better. The Patriots run defense has been a bit suspect so making sure the Texans are one-dimensional may not be a given.Â
Lamar Miller -Â Given the limitations of the passing game, Houston has to run the ball. In two games Miller has 35 attempts for 126 yards for a 3.6-yard average, but he's capable of being better. The Patriots run defense has been a bit suspect so making sure the Texans are one-dimensional may not be a given.Â
New England Patriots quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, left, and Tom Brady take the field to warm up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shouts as he takes the field to warm up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shouts as he takes the field to warm up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) warms up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Photographers line the end zone before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, right, speaks to defensive end Chandler Jones (95) before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, walks on the field with entertainer Jon Bon Jovi before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks with entertainer Jon Bon Jovi before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Sealver Siliga (96) gets pumped up with his teammates including Chandler Jones before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A New England Patriots fan holds a sign referring to New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The New England Patriots take the field before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes over the rush by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a touchdown pass in front of Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with teammate Julian Edelman (11) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, rear, in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. At right is Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass.(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) and New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung (23) tackle Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Frankie Hammond (85) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) catches a pass in front of Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman (42) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes as New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins (91) pressures in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Danny Amendola (80) hits Kansas City Chiefs' Jamell Fleming (30) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs exchange words in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots offensive lineman Bryan Stork (66) leaves the field in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots fans cheer in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) and Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) push New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) out of bounds short of the goal line in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls signals at the line in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) goes over the top for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
A general view of play is seen during an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls to a teammate from the sideline in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick coaches from the sideline in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A member of the End Zone Militia cheers in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) and defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) tackle New England Patriots running back Steven Jackson (39) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) hurdles Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34), being tackled by New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung (23) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks an extra point against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots linebacker Jonathan Freeny (55) and Dont'a Hightower (54) celebrate after the Patriots recovered a fumble by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots defenders Jabaal Sheard (93) and Chandler Jones (95) celebrate over Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) after a play in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick congratulates tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after his touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) looks to evade Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown ahead of Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) and New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) celebrates after his team recovered a fumble by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) and defensive end Chandler Jones (95) chase Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) midfield at the end of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-20. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meet at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) meet at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-20. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 27-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jason Avant (81) after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won, 27-20. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won, 27-20. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots safety Malcolm Butler (21) leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs , Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won, 27-20. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media while still wearing his cleats after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady arrives wearing his football pants to speak to the media after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
