SportsBeat KC

The Opening Day weather was frightful, but the Royals’ Thursday afternoon victory over the Cleveland Guardians was delightful in many ways.Zack Greinke was solid in his return to the Royals, his first start at The K in a KC uniform in more than a decade. The defense was excellent, too, and Bobby Witt Jr. got a hit in his first major-league game.Not just a hit, either — an eighth-inning RBI double that gave the Royals the lead for good in a 3-1 win. There was an ice bucket splash on the field and condiment bath afterward. Good times all around. Only 161 games remaining. What’s the magic number?On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell relate the significance of the first game and look ahead with host Blair Kerkhoff. The show started as a SportsBeat Live Friday morning and now you can here it here in audio form.Story links:“I wasn’t crazy sharp,” Zack Greinke says of Royals’ returnRoyals players gave Bobby Witt Jr. a special celebration with a purpose behind itHow unfazed rookie Bobby Witt Jr. made magic in his Royals debut and what it portends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Masters tees off on Thursday and on today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from a first-time participant who attended Blue Valley North High.Harry Higgs is quickly becoming a tour favorite. He’s a big personality who qualified for golf’s first major of the year by finishing fourth in last year’s PGA.It looms as an eventful few days in Augusta. Tiger Woods says he’s playing. Tom Watson is an honorary starter for the time, and Harry Higgs figures to have the time of his life.Free-lance golf journalists Garrett Johnston caught up with Higgs last week for his podcast Beyond the Clubhouse, and you’ll hear part of that interview after a break. First, you’ll hear from Johnston and host Blair Kerkhoff, discussing The Masters.Story linksBeyond the Clubhouse podcasthttps://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tLzE1MTBkMjE5LTFiOGYtNGE5My1iYmQxLTdhMWM2Y2ZiNmU0Nw/episode/OGNkOWZiZTItZWU0NS00NmRmLWJkYjYtMTEwMDJiY2I2MTcz?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiIit_Xx__2AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en Sun’s out guns out at Masters? Nah, KC’s Harry Higgs plans to keep his shirt on at Augustahttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/article260104855.html PGATour.com: Here comes Harry Higgs, right up Magnolia Lanehttps://www.pgatour.com/long-form/2022/04/03/here-comes-harry-higgs-right-up-magnolia-lane-first-masters.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Kansas Jayhawks meet the North Carolina Tar Heels in New Orleans for the men’s basketball national championship. KU is bidding for its fourth NCAA title, and if it cuts the nets, only UCLA, Kentucky, North Carolina and Duke will have won trophies.Bill Self is aware of the history and his program’s success in many categories. But KU has come up short in national championships, winning one in his first 18 seasons. This team provides his best shot as a second title.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Jesse Newell joins columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell in setting up the game and explaining what’s at stake for the Jayhawks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teams coached by Kansas’ Bill Self and Villanova’s Jay Wright have met in the NCAA Tournament three times. And the winner always went on to win the national championship.Will that be the case a fourth time? The Jayhawks and Wildcats face off in Saturday’s first Final Four semifinal, with the winner facing the survivor of a showdown between Duke and North Carolina — they play after KU-Nova — for the national championship.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, you’ll hear from Self and Wright, who took the podium Thursday at the Final Four in New Orleans. Each coach covered several topics over a 20-minute interview period. You’ll hear all of their comments here.A final programming note: Kansas City Star KU beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore, columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff will be doing daily SportsBeat livestreams from New Orleans as long as the Jayhawks are still playing. Watch kansascity.com and The Star’s social media channels for start times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening Day for the Royals is one week away and many of the boxes are checked. Lineup? Pretty much set. Closer? Scott Barlow. First starter? Zack Greinke. After Greinke?Not sure about the rotation after that. Brad Keller, Brady Singer, Carlos Hernandez, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, Jackson Kowar, Jon Heasley are all candidates. Keep in mind teams can carry two additional players during the season’s first month.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss the rotation and lineup as the season approaches.Story links:Carlos Hernandez ready to move on after rough spring startRoyals commit to manager Mike Matheny behind 2022 season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been 50 years for the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Is it time to start exploring at new home in Kansas City?Team president Mark Donovan tossed out that idea at the NFL meetings this week and it got everyone’s attention. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Herbie Teope and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss the idea—and the chances—of the Chiefs not playing at Arrowhead Stadium.We also tackle other topics like the Chiefs’ influence on the NFL’s new overtime rule for the playoffs and what decisions remain for the Chiefs in free agency.Story links:KC Chiefs president says team is exploring possible sites for stadium in Kansas: reporthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article259897210.htmlShould Kansas City Chiefs stay in Missouri or move to Kansas? Vote in Border War pollhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article259910100.htmlNFL owners approve new playoff rule allowing both teams a possession in overtime gameshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article259899680.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Beyond the Bracket, a special edition series of the SportsBeat KC podcast that’s here to here to cover everything March Madness.Each week, I’ll be joined by reporters and columnists from around the country to discuss college hoops. This final episode features insiders into two of the men’s Final Four teams: Jesse Newell, who covers the Kansas Jayhawks for The Star, and Steve Wiseman, who covers the Duke Blue Devils for the News & Observer.Saturday’s semifinal games feature four of the best programs in Duke, Kansas, North Carolina and Villanova. Newell and Wiseman provide insight into how each of the teams they cover got here, including how the Blue Devils overcame the pressure of a final season under coach Mike Krzyzewski and the keys to the Jayhawks’ success in the tournament.The trio also discusses the magnitude of these Final Four matchups, keys to each game, the possibility of a Duke-Kansas title game and who might hit the first buzzer-beating shot of March Madness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next top for Kansas, the Final Four.The Jayhawks ran away from Miami, Fla., 76-60 on Sunday to capture the Midwest Region championship and advance to the Final Four for the 16th time in program history. Villanova awaits in the semifinal Saturday in New Orleans.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Gary Bedore and Jesse Newell break down the Kansas effort, when they outscored the Hurricanes by 32 points in the second half. Remy Martin was voted the region’s most outstanding player but several had a hand in helping the Jayhawks overcome a six-point halftime deficit.We look back on the game and look ahead to a weekend that also includes a Duke-North Carolina semifinal.Story links:Bill Self feels late father’s presence during Final Four runAn unexpected halftime talk by Bill Self sparked Kansas’ second half turnaroundFirst look at men’s Final Four: College basketball’s blues will play in New OrleansRolling to the Big East: Kansas Jayhawks surge in second half Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Basketball coaching searches came to an end at Kansas State and Missouri this week and the beat writers take us through the hiring process on today’s SportsBeat KC.Kellis Robinett describes the path of Jerome Tang, a Baylor assistant coach for 19 years. Tang has never been a college head coach but he was part of the Scott Drew staff that turned the Bears from an also ran into a national champion.Lila Bromberg breaks down the hiring of Dennis Gates at Mizzou. Gates went 50-40 over three seasons at Cleveland State and spent eight years on Leonard Hamilton’s Florida State staff, helping turn the Seminoles into an ACC power.The tasks begin for both coaches, who take over programs that finished under .500 this season, especially in recruiting. They’re on the hunt for new talent and also have to re-recruit players on this season’s roster.Story links:How Missouri Tigers’ Dennis Gates plans to run his first high major basketball programKansas State guard Nijel Pack ready to explore NBA Draft opportunities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening day is two weeks away and the Royals are rounding into shape. Bobby Witt Jr., blasted a titanic home run this week and continues to make his strong case as the starting third baseman.Nobody is off to a hotter start at the plate than Edward Olivares, and perhaps this will be the year he sticks with the club instead of running the Kansas City-Omaha shuttle service.Hunter Dozier opened up about his slump last season, and Zack Greinke is soaking in spring training by observing the Royals’ young staff.We cover all of these topics and more on SportsBeat KC with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell.Story links:KC Royals pitchers keep noticing surprise guest at their bullpen sessions: Zack GreinkeKansas City Royals avoid arbitration with several players, but not Lopez or Benintendi‘What am I doing?’: How Royals’ Hunter Dozier got in a funk (and found his way out) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The news is stunning to Chiefs fans: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, a Pro Bowl player in all six of his seasons in Kansas City and one of the most clutch players in team history, was traded on Wednesday to the Miami Dolphins.The Chiefs got five draft picks in return, including first-, second- and fourth-round spots in next month’s 2022 NFL Draft. That’s a good return. But Hill is a game-changing talent. And the Chiefs, with some salary cap restrictions, couldn’t come up with a contract that would work for both sides.On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope, columnist Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff break down the trade with Miami and what it means for the Chiefs. Can this short-term loss become a long-term gain?Story links:Kansas City Chiefs trade superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami Dolphins: detailsWith Tyreek Hill gone, where do Kansas City Chiefs go from here? That’s the questionRemembering five impact moments for Tyreek Hill in a Chiefs uniformChiefs fans have a mixed reaction to news of Tyreek Hill trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Beyond the Bracket, a special edition series of the SportsBeat KC podcast that’s here to here to cover everything March Madness.Each week, I’ll be joined by reporters and columnists from around the country to discuss college hoops. This episode features The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff, Anthony Kristensen of The Columbia Missourian and Augusta Stone, the South Carolina women’s basketball reporter for The State, to discuss an upset-filled start to the men’s and women’s tournaments.The first part of the episode is dedicated to men’s basketball. Topics of discussion include: Biggest takeaways and surprises from the first two rounds, players that have impressed us the most, predictions for the Sweet Sixteen and Final Four picks.On the women’s basketball segment we discuss: why there is more parity this season, the biggest upsets through the first two rounds, teams we’ve been most impressed with, offensive concerns for South Carolina and who could win it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas hasn’t played in the Sweet 16 since its Final Four run in 2018. The last time the Jayhawks endured a streak that long was 1998-2000, and the next season, then-coach Roy Williams brought a good-luck charm to the news conference: a stuffed monkey named “Stank ‘em.” Williams put the monkey on his back and the players swatted it off. Get the monkey off his back, get it?No stuffed animal helped Kansas end its most recent Sweet 16 “drought,” which lasted all of two Tournaments (the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic). Beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore break it down on today’s episode of the SportsBeat KC podcast.They look ahead to Friday’s matchup with Providence and explain why one analyst describes the Friars as college basketball’s luckiest team.Story links:Kansas Jayhawks’ Ochai Agbaji ‘not stressing or pressing’ over missed shots in NCAAsRemy Martin’s huge first half proved pivotal in Kansas Jayhawks surviving Creighton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first day of the NCAA Tournament produced four victories by double-digit seeds, including the shocker: No. 15 seed St. Peter’s over Kentucky.Kansas avoided any such upset. The top-seeded Jayhawks rolled past Texas Southern.Now KU faces a second-round task against Creighton, which defeated San Diego State in overtime Thursday. In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, KU beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore discuss Kansas’ prospects in Round 2.Also, there’s the matter of college basketball’s all-time victories list. The Jayhawks entered the tournament two wins behind first-place Kentucky. The Wildcats’ loss opens the door for KU to tie Kentucky with a win Saturday. Hear what Jesse and Gary have to say about that race.Story links:No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks easily win NCAA Tournament opener. Up next: CreightonKentucky upset means Kansas Jayhawks can catch Wildcats on college basketball wins list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack Greinke spent his first seven major league seasons with the Royals, the team that drafted and developed him, and now he’ll be in Kansas City for season No. 19.The Royals signed Greinke to a one-year, $13 million deal this week, but that wasn’t the team’s only mound move. They also traded starter Mike Minor to the Cincinnati Reds for reliever Amir Garrett.How will this moves impact the Royals? Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell break it down on SportsBeat KC, the Kansas City Star’s sports podcast. The show started as a Royals SportsBeat Live.Story links:Sam McDowell: Zack Greinke’s return to KC is more than a nice story. It reveals the Royals’ plansLynn Worthy: Amir Garrett joins the Kansas City Royals, aiming to prove he’s ‘better now’From brink of ‘disastrous outcome,’ baseball is back and somehow we can’t stay angry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy NFL New Year!Wednesday was the first day of the NFL’s calendar year. But I don’t see any bowl games scheduled. Still, there’s plenty of roster action this week as free agency continues. The Chiefs have shuffled some players, signing safety Justin Reid, restructuring the contract of defensive end Frank Clark and bidding farewell to cornerback Charvarius Ward.Also, the AFC West continues to load up with the additions of quarterback Russell Wilson with the Denver Broncos and defensive end Khalil Mack with the Los Angeles Chargers.Beat writer Herbie Teope posts all the moves on the Chiefs tracker on KansasCity.com. He came up for air to break it down on today’s SportsBeat KC.Story links:Herbie Teope: NFL free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs. Follow it here.Pete Grathoff: Two AFC West’s NFL’s “offseason improvement index.” Is it enough to top Chiefs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Beyond the Bracket, a special edition series of the SportsBeat KC podcast that’s here to get you ready for the NCAA Tournament.Each week, I’ll be joined by reporters and columnists from around the country to discuss college hoops. This episode features insiders into two of the top-seeded teams: Jesse Newell, who covers the Kansas Jayhawks for The Star, and John Clay, a columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader who covers the Kentucky Wildcats.The official bracket has been revealed and March Madness is here. We share our reactions to how the field was seeded, break down each region, discuss what upsets to watch for, explain the best practices in filling our your bracket and give our updated Final Four picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Kansas get an easy or difficult draw as the top seed in the Midwest Region? On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore break down the Jayhawks’ road to the Final Four. Things could get tricky for KU in the first weekend.Also, there were some playing rotation developments at the Big 12 tournament. KU won the event, defeating Texas Tech in the championship game, and rolled through the event by getting performances from some non-starters like Remy Martin and Mitch Lightfoot.How will Bill Self utilize minutes in the highest stakes games?Story links:Jesse Newell: Did KU get lucky or unlucky with NCAA Tournament draw? Here’s the answerSam McDowell: Why the Kansas Jayhawks’ most important development wasn’t lifting the Big 12 trophy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello.After more than three months away from the mic, and treatment for hairy cell leukemia, it’s time to get back to work. That begins with today’s SportsBeat KC podcast. I’m Blair Kerkhoff, and there’s plenty to discuss with Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell.Major college conference basketball tournaments begin this week, including the Big 12 tourneys in Kansas City. Kansas enters the event as the top seed and could meet Kansas State in its first game. Is this the last stand for Wildcats coach Bruce Weber? The same can be asked of Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin, who leads the TIgers into the SEC tournament.The NFL’s free agency period approaches, too, and we also discuss potential Chiefs moves this offseason.On a personal note, a heartfelt thanks for your thoughts and prayers that continue to keep my spirits soaring throughout my recovery. It feels great to be back.Story links:Sam McDowell: FIve moves the Chiefs should make this offseasonVahe Gregorian: Unsightly victory may have revealed something about Kansas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Beyond the Bracket, a special edition series of the SportsBeat KC podcast that’s here to get you ready for the NCAA Tournament.Each week, I’ll be joined by reporters and columnists from around the country to discuss college hoops. This third episode features C.L. Brown, the North Carolina Tar Heels beat reporter for the News & Observer, and Joe Davidson, a columnist for The Sacramento Bee.The regular season is over and it’s officially conference tournament week. First, Brown shares some insight into UNC’s upset over Duke in coach Mike Krzyzewski’s last game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Then we get into the postseason and discuss our picks for the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC tournaments. To end things, we each give our current picks for the Final Four. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Beyond the Bracket, a special edition series of the SportsBeat KC podcast that’s here to get you ready for the NCAA Tournament.Each week, I’ll be joined by reporters and columnists from around the country to discuss college hoops. This second episode features insiders into two of the best men’s basketball programs in the country as well as the top-ranked women’s team: Jesse Newell, who covers the Kansas Jayhawks for The Star, Luke DeCock, a columnist for the News & Observer covering teams across the ACC (including Duke), and Augusta Stone, the South Carolina women’s basketball reporter for The State.The first part of the episode is dedicated to men’s basketball. Topics of discussion include: Reactions to each of the top six ranked teams losing over the weekend, updates on the Kansas and Duke programs, methods of ranking teams in the AP Poll, thoughts on how the selection committee determines the bracket, current Final Four picks, and games we’re most excited to watch this week.On the women’s basketball segment we discuss: What makes South Carolina the No. 1 team in the country, who should be named the national player of the year, what to expect in the SEC tournament and teams that could go far in March Madness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, Lila Bromberg will be joined by reporters and columnists from around the country to discuss college basketball ahead of the NCAA Tournament. This episode features John Clay, a columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader covering Kentucky, and C.L. Brown, the North Carolina beat reporter for The News & Observer. The trio shares their thoughts on the initial reveal of the top 16 seeds, bubble teams, favorites for national coach of the year and national player of the year, Final Four picks, and games they’re most excited to watch this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a disappointing end to the 2021 season, what’s ahead for the Chiefs?Can they — or, more to the point, should they — keep their roster entirely intact for another run at the Super Bowl? Or is it time to welcome in some new faces to Kansas City? And if so, who could be headed out the door to make room on the NFL roster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the second week in a row, the Chiefs went to overtime in the NFL playoffs. This time, the magic ran out as the Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in overtime of the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium.Join the discussion with The Star’s coverage team consisting of columnist Vahe Gregorian, Chiefs beat reporters Sam McDowell, reporter Jesse Jewell, reporter Lila Bromberg and host/reporter Herbie Teope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another rematch for the Chiefs.Last weekend, it was the Bills in the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. The Chiefs exacted revenge for a 38-20 loss to Buffalo in Week 5 by beating the Bills 42-36 in overtime at Arrowhead Stadium to advance to this Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, also at Arrowhead.Now the Chiefs play host to another team that beat them during the regular season — Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals, 34-31 victors over the Chiefs in Cincinnati on Jan. 2.The stakes are far higher than they were for that Week 17 game. The victor takes on the winner of Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the L.A. Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVI. Could a Super Bowl rematch be in the offing? Yes, if the Chiefs and Niners advance. The Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 50 years when they beat San Francisco in Miami two years ago.But first the Chiefs must solve the Bengals. Watch our SportsBeat KC stream with columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell as they discuss the stakes and how the Chiefs can advance to their third straight Super Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

join columnist Vahe Gregorian, beat writer Sam McDowell, reporters Jesse Newell and Lila Bromberg and host/reporter Herbie Teope to discuss the heroics that sent the Chiefs to their NFL record fourth straight conference championship game right here in Kansas City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AFC Divisional Round kicks off the weekend, and Sunday night’s game between the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills Arrowhead Stadium projects to be a very good one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs beat the Steelers soundly Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium to advance to a Divisional Round showdown against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the opening round of the NFL playoffs, with the Chiefs facing the Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So the Chiefs did their part on Saturday, beating the Denver Broncos 28-24 at Empower Field at Mile High.Up next, the playoffs.The Chiefs will need to wait for Sunday’s games to conclude before they know an opponent and date for their playoff opener, though. They’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on one Sunday game — Titans at Texans — in particular. But games involving the Bills and Bengals will also factor in.Join KC Star columnist Vahe Gregorian, Chiefs beat reporters Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell and sportswriter Pete Grathoff at about 9 p.m. tonight (Saturday) to discuss Saturday’s action and Sunday’s scenarios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs have plenty to play for in the regular-season finale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Star’s coverage team of Vahe Gregorian, Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell, and special guests Jesse Newell and Lila Bromberg broke down the Chiefs’ 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals after the game on Sunday afternoon.Story links:KC Chiefs lose control of AFC seeding: What happened in Sunday’s loss at the Bengals?KC Chiefs’ report card vs. Bengals: This specific aspect doomed Kansas City on SundayFive things that stood out about the Kansas City Chiefs’ road loss to the BengalsKC Chiefs had a chance to put the game in Patrick Mahomes’ hands. They whiffedHow one play epitomized all that went wrong for the KC Chiefs in 34-31 loss to Bengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs clinched a playoff berth with last weekend’s resounding home victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.But they still have some unfinished business to take care of in Week 17, with a chance to clinch the conference’s No. 1 seed — and accompanying first-round bye — in the postseason.On Thursday, Herbie Teope, fellow beat writer Sam McDowell and columnist Vahe Gregorian previewed the game and its implications in a year-end edition of The Star’s SportsBeat Live stream. Their conversation is presented here as a SportsBeat KC replay.With a one-game lead for the top seed, the Chiefs (11-4) need a win to stay ahead of the Tennessee Titans (10-5) with the regular season coming to a close. The Chiefs could clinch that spot Sunday with a win and Titans loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs didn’t play like a team missing several key starters, hammering the Pittsburgh Steelers from open to close on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. After the game, the Star's sportswriters gathered to analyze Kansas City's victory and look back at this season's turnaround, from 3-4 to the top of the AFC West.This episode originated as a SportsBeat Live video on Sunday evening, and is presented here in podcast form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs, riding a seven-game winning streak, stand atop the AFC with a one-game lead for the No. 1 seed in the postseason.Their hot streak could be in jeopardy because multiple players, including tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, remain on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium.On Thursday, beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell sat down with columnist Vahe Gregorian to discuss this weekend’s game. Hear their conversation now on today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before flying back to Kansas City, two of our KC Star writers took a timeout at the L.A. airport — with a third joining from his hotel room — to dissect the Chiefs’ gutsy Thursday night victory over the Chargers in overtime.This SportsBeat KC podcast, with columnist Vahe Gregorian, beat writer Sam McDowell, and host Herbie Teope, is their analysis of a win that gave the Chiefs a two-game advantage in the AFC West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The red-hot Chiefs are 9-4 after administering a 48-9 beatdown to the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.After the game, KC Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell, plus special guest Lila Bromberg, gathered around the ol’ table for some discussion and analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium with a chance to get their offense back on track.Andy Reid’s team hammered the Raiders 41-14 last month in Las Vegas, so it’s reasonable to think that, in spite of their troubles on offense this season, the Chiefs have prime opportunity to work out some kinks in front of a friendly crowd.The Star’s Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger spent some of Red Friday discussing what’s ahead for the Chiefs on a SportsBeat Live stream, which we present here as a podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Week 13 is in the books for the Chiefs and the latest episode of the SportsBeat KC podcast is live.We discussed what happened in the Chiefs’ prime-time victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.KC Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger, beat writer Sam McDowell and host Herbie Teope discussed what happened and answered your questions and comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs, after a week off around the Thanksgiving holiday, play host to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.Riding a four-game winning streak, the Chiefs are once again atop the AFC West standings. The next three weeks will help determine the outcome of this season’s division race: Starting with Sunday night’s game, the Chiefs play three straight games against opponents from their own division. And they’ve defeated the Broncos 11 straight times dating to 2015.In this SportsBeat Live podcast, which initially aired as a Friday morning livestream, Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell in discussing what needs to happen for the Chiefs to make it 12 in a row over the orange team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The high-flying battle between two of the NFL’s top teams never materialized, but that was OK with the Chiefs. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-9 on Sunday to extend their winning streak to four games ... and now they’re doing it with defense.Chris Jones had 3 1/2 sacks. The Chiefs got three takeaways and kept the Cowboys out of the end zone. It was a pretty stellar effort against Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense.After the game, KC Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger discussed the finer points with beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowellTheir conclusion: These Chiefs are improving by the week.Story links:How the Chiefs stole the show in Sunday’s clash at Arrowhead against the CowboysThe grades are in. Here’s our Sunday report card for the Chiefs against the CowboysFIve things that stood about the Chiefs victory over the Cowboys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A long regular season begins its final chapter on Saturday when Sporting Kansas City plays host to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Playoffs.Sporting went 9-3-5 in regular-season games at home this season and scored the second-most goals in Major League Soccer (58). But now it’s one and done in the single-elimination tournament.On today’s episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, soccer reporter Shaun Goodwin tell us what it’s going to take for Sporting to beat one of the league’s hottest teams. Vancouver defeated Sporting in the sides’ last meeting. We also discuss the seasons of Daniel Salloi and Andreu Fontas, and bring you up to date on the latest happenings with the KC Current.Story links:Sporting’s Daniel Salloi is an MLS MVP finalist. Teammates said Andreu Fontas deserved recognition tooAndreu Fontas is perfect for Sporting KC. How his season is proving that’s true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest NFL game of the weekend is in Kansas City on Sunday when the Chiefs play host to the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams lead their divisions and this first-time matchup between quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott is a pretty good storyline.On today’s episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast, Chiefs beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell and columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian break down the matchup, its narratives and what’s at stake for both teams.The podcast started as a SportsBeat Live stream Friday morning with your questions and comments.Story links:Can KC Chiefs keep their win streak going against equally potent Dallas Cowboys?His family legacy is prison. Chiefs L’Jarius Sneeds bears a burden to break a curseChiefs vs. Cowboys prediction: Patrick Mahomes faces team of Texas childhood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regular season games don’t come more anticipated than Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Dak Prescott vs. Patrick Mahomes, division leaders, Super Bowl preview?On today’s SportsBeat KC, Cowboys’ beat writer and columnist Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram brings us the Dallas perspective with host Blair Kerkhoff.How will the Cowboys’ high flying offense plan to attack the Chiefs’ improved defense? And what can Dallas do to contain Mahomes and company?After a break, you’ll hear from Mahomes from his weekly news conference. Right off the bat, he was asked about being a Cowboys’ fan growing up in Texas.Story links:Clarence H. Hill Jr.: To be the best Prescott must outduel Mahomes on SundayWhy the Chiefs breakout on offense against the Raiders may persist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After weeks of “what’s wrong” with Missouri and Kansas State football, some good fortune has returned to both programs. Missouri has won two of three and, at 5-5, is one victory away from bowl eligibility. It won’t be easy, with a visit from Florida this weekend and a trip to Arkansas to end the regular season.Kansas State already has its bowl ticket and awaits its destination. The Wildcats face a major challenge Saturday when they play host to 11th-ranked Baylor. It will be the final home game for K-State’s Skylar Thompson, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history.Beat writers Lila Bromberg and Kellis Robinett bring us up to date with both teams, and we mix in a little basketball talk on today’s episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:“Trench mob: How Mizzou assistant Al Davis has turned around the Tigers’ run defenseMissouri’s starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Florida is unclearKansas State Wildcats vs. Baylor Bears: Five things to know (this game is a pick’em) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why would anyone have anticipated Kansas, a 31-point underdog last weekend at Texas, ending its 56-game conference losing streak in Austin? The last time KU won a league game, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas A&M were in the conference. West Virginia and TCU weren’t.But it happened. Kansas prevailed 57-56 in overtime with the winning two-point conversation scored on a reception from Jalon Daniels by a third-string redshirt freshman walk-on Jared Casey of Plainville, Kan. Saturday marked his first offensive snaps of his career.The national narrative centered on Texas losing, but this was every bit as much about Kansas having its first major moment under first-year coach Lance Leipold. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Jesse Newell, who covered the game, breaks down what it all means for the Jayhawks.Story links:His first offensive snap for Kansas came at Texas, then he caught the game-winnerHere’s how long it’s been since Kansas won a Big 12 road game, before TexasYes, Kansas beat Texas...in football. Here’s how the Jayhawks stunned the Longhorns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs started Sunday in last place in a tight AFC West race. After their 41-14 victory at the Las Vegas Raiders, they’re in first.Patrick Mahomes passed for 406 yards and five touchdowns and the defense was solid for the third straight game. They’ve now won three straight, too.There was much to discuss after the game, and Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian, beat writer Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff break it down in this podcast. They also look ahead to this weekend’s game at home against the division-leading Dallas Cowboys.Story links:“I got my swagger back,” A 2014 video sparked breakout in Chiefs’ victoryWhat happens in Vegas? The Chiefs win. Here’s what we learned in their 41-14 victoryChiefs’ romp over the Raiders restored order and maybe even faith itselfA 101-yard receiving game from who?The Chiefs showed something important in quest to be champions again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs, at 5-4, are one of nine AFC teams that have played nine games.The first half of Kansas City’s season has been a disappointment, but the Chiefs still have eight games remaining, including five against division foes — starting with a Sunday Night Football trip to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders.On today’s episode of The Star’s daily podcast, SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell join columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff in previewing Sunday night’s game, starting with a Chiefs offense that has totaled just 36 points in the past three games.We take your questions and comments, talk about some midseason grades and of course take a shot at predicting Sunday’s outcome.Story links:Why Patrick Mahomes isn’t as far off as you might thinkWhat the Chiefs must do to avoid falling further behind the Raiders in the AFC WestWhich KC Chiefs made the grade? A midseason report cardOffensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said Chiefs have met the enemy and he is... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson is on a roll. In leading the Wildcats to three straight victories, the senior who played at Fort Osage High has averaged 260 passing yards and has tossed a touchdown pass in each game.But now, K-State on Saturday plays an opponent it hasn’t been able to solve since 2015: West Virginia.Meanwhile, Missouri quickly put last weekend’s loss at Georgia in its rear-view mirror and is focusing on South Carolina this weekend. With four victories, the Tigers need two more to become-bowl eligible ... and they’re a slight favorite over the Gamecocks this weekend.Beat writers Kellis Robinett and Lila Bromberg break down the teams they cover, and with Missouri we get plenty of men’s basketball first impressions, too.Story links:Why one K-State football player says Skylar Thompson is playing at a Heisman levelMissouri Tigers QB update: What Eli Drinkwitz, Brady Cook said ahead of South Carolina gameJavon Pickett, Kobe Brown show leadership in Mizzou’s season opening victory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices