Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State’s hopes for competing for a Big 12 title suffered a serious blow when Talen Horton-Tucker decided to leave for the NBA after just one season. The Cyclones hope they’ve filled that hole with guard Rasir Bolton. He is a Penn State transfer whose numbers were similar to Horton-Tucker’s as a freshman in 2018-19.

DENVER (AP) — Suddenly, it’s the Denver Broncos who are rolling and the Kansas City Chiefs who are reeling. The teams meet tonight (Thursday night) in Denver, with the Broncos seeking their third straight victory after an 0-4 start and the Chiefs looking to snap a two-game losing streak following their 4-0 start. The Chiefs have a porous run defense that’s allowing 190 yards a game over the past month and the Broncos look to capitalize with the NFL’s top running back tandem.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury when Kansas City visits the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. The Chiefs are down several starters as they face a division rival on short rest. Defensive back Kendall Fuller was ruled out after breaking his thumb in last week’s loss to Houston, defensive tackle Chris Jones and left tackle Eric Fisher have core muscle injuries, and left guard Andrew Wylie is out with an ankle injury.

UNDATED (AP) — The Cardinals exceeded preseason expectations and came from 5½ games back in June to win the NL Central and advance to the NL Championship Series. But 48 strikeouts and six runs in a four-game sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals put a damper on a season of growth in St. Louis that players believe will set the foundation for more winning to come. Pitcher Adam Wainwright’s future is the biggest offseason question.