Broncos earn spot with win

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Leave it to the sure-handed Rod Smith to help the Denver Broncos clinch 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,” Broncos 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 1-yard reception early in the third quarter. Mike Anderson sealed the win with 11- and 6-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 3-yard touchdown reception came on a busted play, tying the game at 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 1-yard run on the Bills’ opening drive, but was limited the rest of the game – finishing with 40 yards on five carries – after he hurt his left arm. Joe Burns also scored on a 19-yard catch in the final minutes.

Eric Moulds had nine catches for 110 yards in his return to the field.