Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have reached the precipice of the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a nine-game winning streak that includes some heavy hitters with Super Bowl aspirations of their own. But while records alone suggest the Chiefs finally get a breather to finish off the regular-season, facing the losing Falcons and Chargers, both Kansas City coach Andy Reid and Atlanta counterpart Raheem Morris are in agreement that Sunday's game could be far tighter than the more-than-10-point spread.
UNDATED (AP) — For several NFL stars, speaking out against social injustice meant speaking to youngsters who have experienced racism. Travis Kelce, Derrick Henry, Tyler Lockett and Calais Campbell each spent time this season chatting with students about a film that focuses on social and emotional effects of racism against Black men and boys. The documentary titled "Black Boys" was executive produced by Malcolm Jenkins. The players joined students in virtual class discussions about the film's exploration identity, opportunity and equity in America.
UNDATED (AP) — Iowa State has The Associated Press Big 12 offensive and defensive players of the year and the league's top coach. The awards come after the Cyclones' best conference season ever. Running back Breece Hall is the unanimous choice for top offensive player with his league-best 130 yards rushing per game and 19 touchdowns. Linebacker Mike Rose was selected the top defender with his 90 tackles and four interceptions that are both tied for the league lead. Iowa State was 8-1 in Big 12 play in the regular season, a school record for conference wins.
UNDATED (AP) — After a couple of high-profile Big 12 games during the first true week of conference play, the Big 12 steps back for a long break over the holidays. Nobody has a game until Tuesday, when a handful of teams play non-league games. All of them should be easy wins for the Big 12, though Kansas State may be most vulnerable in its game against Omaha.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — College basketball teams are accustomed to being busy through the holidays and missing family gatherings. This pandemic-altered season feels even more isolated. Campuses are largely empty. There are few if any fans inside the arenas. The Big Ten scheduled four games on Christmas Day. Wisconsin plays Michigan State, Maryland faces Purdue, Michigan visits Nebraska and Iowa takes on Minnesota. Programs across the country have attempted to ramp up mental health support at a time when the potential for anxiety or loneliness has spiked for players along with the rest of society.
Update on the latest sports
NFL-SCHEDULE
Minnesota at New Orleans 4:30 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) ) — The Saints and Vikings kick off four straight days of NFL football in New Orleans this afternoon.
Vikings receiver Adam Thielen says the Saints are starting to seem like a divisional rival after all the times they've played each other the past four seasons. Those encounters include two playoff games in which Minnesota scored the winning touchdown on the final play of each.
The Vikings aim to conclude the holiday celebrating a victory that keeps alive thin playoff hopes.
A Saints victory would give New Orleans the NFC South title for a fourth straight year.
NBA-SCHEDULE
Christmas Day in the NBA puts spotlight on stars
UNDATED (AP) — The NBA's Christmas Day schedule offers games starting at noon Eastern and stretching into the night.
It starts in Miami, where the Heat will be looking for their first victory of the season when Zion Williamson and the Pelicans take the court. New Orleans delivered new coach Stan Van Gundy a victory in his debut, a 113-99 decision over the Toronto Raptors. The Heat lost their season-opener, 113-107, on the road in Orlando.
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the potential tying free throw with 0.4 seconds left in the Bucks season-opening loss against the Celtics in Boston. They are back in Milwaukee tonight to host Golden State. The Warriors are starting the season on a four-game Eastern road trip. Steph Curry is again leading Golden State, though its lineup remains depleted.
Kevin Durant and Brooklyn Nets are coming off a 125-99 rout of Warriors, as they visit Boston this evening. LeBron James and the Lakers host Dallas, while the Clippers are in Denver to play the Nuggets.
T-25 COLLEGE BAKSETBALL-SCHEDULE
Wisconsin-Michigan State headlines Big Ten's Christmas slate
UNDATED (AP) — No. 9 Wisconsin and No. 12 Michigan State meet in a Christmas Day matinee — one of four Big Ten games taking place today.
Wisconsin has nine consecutive Big Ten victories but owns a 4-22 record at the Breslin Center. The Badgers had lost eight straight matchups with Michigan State before edging the Spartans 64-63 in Madison on Feb. 1.
Michigan State is trying to bounce back from a stunning 79-65 loss at Northwestern in its Big Ten opener.
The Big Ten's other Christmas Day games include Maryland at Purdue, No. 19 Michigan at Nebraska and No. 4 Iowa at Minnesota.