SportsBeat KC

The math still favors the Royals making the MLB playoffs.

With nine games left to play, they remain in possession of the second of three American League wild-card berths. But the race is getting tighter, and the Royals lug a four-game losing streak into their final home series of the season — which begins Friday against the San Francisco Giants.

In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and columnist Vahe Gregorian assess the Royals’ postseason possibilities and what it will take to close the deal.

The Royals’ turnaround this season — from 106 losses a year ago to clinching a winning record in 2024 — is already an amazing accomplishment. But to fall short of a playoff spot, after being in contention for several weeks, would be a gut-punch.

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The Chiefs are 2-0 after their thrilling one-point victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last week, but they are not without concerns. Running back Isiah Pacheco is lost for an extended time with an ankle injury, and left tackle Kingsley Suamataia played so poorly last weekend he was benched.

At running back, the Chiefs signed their former standout Kareem Hunt. We address why that might not be the best move

We discuss those storylines and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, with beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell. We also look ahead to the Chiefs’ first road game, against the Atlanta Falcons.

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By the length of a toe, the Chiefs clinched an opening night victory over the Baltimore Ravens and now look ahead to a Week 2 encounter with the Cincinnati Bengals.

On SportsBeat KC, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Sam McDowell break down the dramatic triumph with an emphasis on the performances of wide receiver Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy plus offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia.

What worked for the Chiefs, and what are the concerns heading into Sunday’s game against the last team to defeat them in a postseason game?

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The Chiefs’ 65th season with the prospect of making NFL history. The team will attempt to become the first to win three straight Super Bowls. It starts on Thursday with a banner-raising home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Do the Chiefs have what it takes to accomplish the unprecedented feat? On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell joins columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian to discuss the Chiefs’ prospects, starting with the Thursday night opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Chiefs are the Super Bowl favorite, but they enter the season with questions. We explore all angles of the NFL’s top team on this episode.

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As the final preseason game for the Chiefs approaches, the battles intensify for the roster spots. On this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss what factors are considered when arriving at the 53-man roster.

The Chiefs play host to the Chicago Bears on Thursday at Arrowhead, and neither teams starters are expected to play. But in some ways it will be the most dramatic game of the preseason.

Which positions groups have the most and least clarity? And is it possible the Chiefs could look outside their roster to find answers at certain positions? Who is on the bubble?

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One Chiefs preseason game down, two to go. On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, we review the Chiefs’ loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting with the running back position.

It seemed easy in the preseason with Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire leading the way. But the picture isn’t as clear now with Edwards-Helaire missing several practices with illness and the emergence of undrafted rookie Carson Steele.

Also, we break down other positions like defensive end, cornerback and wide receiver. The next game, at Arrowhead against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, should provide more answers.

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The quest for a third straight Super Bowl and fourth in six years begins for the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday with the preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There is plenty familiar about these Chiefs, starting with stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, but there is much to discover.

On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss what they’re more looking forward to seeing from the Chiefs this weekend. Position battles, new faces, new schemes and even a new kickoff rule.

And there can’t be a Chiefs discussion without commenting on the wide receivers. We don’t always agree on how this position group will shake out.

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The Missouri Tigers are coming off their best season under Eli Drinkwitz and are poised for even more success.

On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell discusses what went right for Mizzou in a season that finished with a Cotton Bowl triumph over Ohio State and No. 8 final ranking and what could be in store for the Tigers.

Also, Coach Eli Drinkwitz shares his thoughts on this season when he met with reporters at SEC Media Days.

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Full-squad training camp is underway for the Chiefs, but discussion around the team’s future home never stopped.

Renovate Arrowhead Stadium or build a new structure? In Missouri or Kansas?

On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell analyze the decisions confronting the Chiefs after chairman and CEO Clark Hunt addressed the stadium issue Monday at Missouri Western in St. Joe.

Also, early training camp talk has focused most often on one player: rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, whose dynamic reception on a deep pass from Patrick Mahomes provided a strong indication of what the Chiefs want from their offense this fall.

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