Smith Helps Broncos Clinch Playoff Spot

Leave it to the sure-handed Rod Smith to help the Denver Broncos wrap up a playoff berth.

Smith had 11 catches for 137 yards -- both season highs -- and a touchdown, leading the Broncos to a 28-17 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.

The win clinched Denver (11-3) its third straight playoff berth, and the team can claim the AFC West title if San Diego loses to Indianapolis today. The Broncos have also won 11 games for the first time since 2000.

“That’s been our goal from the start,” Bronco Coach Mike Shanahan said. “It’s nice to be in the situation we’re in.”

Referring to Smith as “a consummate pro,” Shanahan said, “He’s one of the reasons we’re having the success we’re having, people like him.”

Jake Plummer went 20 of 37 for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie tight end Wesley Duke, with his first career catch, scored the go-ahead touchdown on a one-yard reception early in the third quarter. Mike Anderson sealed the win with 11- and six-yard touchdown runs in the final 16 minutes, and finished with 97 yards rushing.

Smith, however, was the story for Denver, emerging as the team’s only first-half threat when his 119 yards receiving made up more than half of the Broncos’ 210 yards offense.

Smith’s three-yard touchdown reception came on a busted play, tying the score at 7-7 at the end of the second quarter. Smith scored when he out-jumped safety Troy Vincent, coming down with the ball just inside the end line after Plummer’s pass was tipped by linebacker London Fletcher.

The Bills (4-10) closed their home schedule with their fifth straight loss. They have dropped seven of their last eight.

Willis McGahee scored on a one-yard run on the Bills’ opening drive but was limited the rest of the game -- finishing with 40 yards in five carries -- after he hurt his left arm. Joe Burns scored on a 19-yard catch in the final minutes.

Eric Moulds had nine catches for 110 yards, returning to the lineup after serving a one-game suspension last weekend for conduct detrimental to the team. The 10-year veteran, whose future in Buffalo is uncertain, could have been playing his final home game in a Bills’ uniform.

The Broncos took control in the second half, going ahead, 14-7, on their first possession of the third quarter when Plummer capped a 10-play, 69-yard drive with a one-yard completion to Duke.

Denver limited the Bills to Rian Lindell’s 31-yard field goal on Buffalo’s following drive. Bronco linebacker Al Wilson made a key play, batting down Kelly Holcomb’s pass intended for Josh Reed over the middle when Buffalo faced third and five at the Denver 13.

Anderson put the Broncos ahead, 21-10, on their next possession, capping a nine-play, 70-yard drive.