Broncos, Buccaneers Secure NFL Playoff Spots

The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the final NFL playoff spots in Week 18, with Denver achieving a 38-0 win over Kansas City's backups and Tampa Bay winning 27-19 against New Orleans. The Buccaneers clinched the NFC South and will host Washington in the wild-card round, while the Broncos will face Buffalo. The Rams lost to the Seahawks 30-25 after resting key starters, dropping them to the fourth seed in the NFC playoffs, which means they will face the fifth-seeded team from the Minnesota and Detroit matchup. The outcome of that game will determine the Rams' opponent in the wild-card round. Seattle's Geno Smith threw for four touchdowns, contributing to their successful season despite the loss for the Rams, who had won five straight games prior. Coach Sean McVay's decision to rest players for the playoffs was a key factor in the Rams' loss and subsequent seeding.