So much for the showdown.

Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes and the New England Patriots dominated the Houston Texans 42-14 Monday night at Gillette Stadium.

The victory was the seventh in a row for New England (10-3) while the Texans, top-ranked in the AFC, had a six-game winning streak snapped to fall to 11-2.

With Brady directing the offense and Vince Wilfork leading the defense, the Patriots had a 21-0 lead less than 20 minutes into the game.

Brady threw two touchdown passes to Aaron Hernandez (7 and 4 yards) and one each to Brandon Lloyd (37 yards) and Donte Stallworth (63 yards). Lloyd also recovered a fumble in the end zone for another touchdown.

Stevan Ridley added a 14-yard touchdown run, his 10th of the season.