The New England Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20, from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The loss ends the Chiefs season with a final record of 12-6.

The Patriots started the game with possession of the football and quarterback Tom Brady brought the team down the field in 11 plays, converting three third downs in the process. Brady finished with an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The Chiefs narrowed the Patriots lead with a 34-yard field goal on the next possession, and the score was 7-3 after one quarter of play.

New England extended its lead late in the second quarter. Starting at his own 2-yard line, Brady drove the Patriots offense 98 yards down the field, capping the drive off with a 1-yard sneak for a touchdown to make it 14-3.

Santos added another field goal with less than 15 seconds to go in the second quarter to cut the Patriots lead to 14-6 into the half. The Chiefs started the second half with the ball, but a fumble by RB Knile Davis gave it right back to the Patriots, who took advantage.

Starting at the New England 31, Brady drove the Patriots offense down the field in five plays. From 16 yards out, he hit Gronkowski for his second touchdown of the game to make it 21-6.

The Chiefs answered quickly by scoring on the very next drive. After converting on fourth-and-3 at the New England 15-yard line, Smith hit wide receiver Albert Wilson for a 10-yard touchdown, and the Chiefs drew closer at 21-13.

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit back-to-back field goals to extend the New England lead to 27-13 to start the fourth quarter.

New England held its lead up until late in the fourth, when running back Charcandrick West ran the ball in for a 1-yard touchdown.

Though the Chiefs had three timeouts, the Patriots recovered the onside kick and were able to gain a first down with just over a minute remaining in the game, ending Kansas City's season. 

Smith finished 29 of 50 for 246 yards passing and a touchdown. West had 17 carries for 61 yards rushing and a touchdown. Safety Eric Berry led the Chiefs in tackles with 7 (6 solo).