INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Rookie Quentin Griffin filled in for injured Clinton Portis by rushing for 136 yards Sunday as Denver clinched a wild card berth, 31-17 over Indianapolis.
Looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2000, the Broncos (10-5) were without Portis, who had rushed for at least 100 yards in six straight games.
That left Griffin and Mike Anderson to pick up the slack.
Griffin had rushed for just 135 yards in eight games this season. But the 5-7 speedster needed 28 carries to surpass his season output for yards.
Anderson ran for 56 yards as the Broncos amassed 227 of their 465 total yards on the ground and controlled the ball for nearly 45 minutes,
Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer completed 14-of-17 passes for 238 yards.
The win eliminated Miami from playoff contention.
The Colts (11-4) already have a playoff berth but ailed in their bid to wrap up the AFC South Division.
