Sports Conversation Starters for Your Week
Sep 06, 2026
Oh boy, last week I suggested this was the perfect time of year to be wrong. You might remember I encouraged you to make a prediction about the football season using your best guess.
In watching college football games over the weekend, there were definitely some wrong calls and bad decisions. Whether you think there was actually one second on the clock for Michigan or not, talking about something that went wrong in sports is a low-stakes way to practice the conversations we need at work.
Debating an officials decision, a coach's game plan or a quarterback's throw is all part of being a sports fan and those conversations are a great way to practice a skill that has real-life implications on our success.
Success in small talk can start with the sports topics and questions below.
NFL
The regular season starts Wednesday with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. The reason the game is being played Wednesday is because the Super Bowl Champions traditionally host the first game of the following season. The NFL already had a game scheduled on Thursday in Australia so the start of the regular season was moved up by a day.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- What's the prediction for your team this season?
- The LA Rams currently have the best odds to win the Super Bowl this season. Do you agree?
- What do you think about the NFL continuing to expand their international games?
NCAA
Heading into the weekend some college football fans lamented there was only one game featuring two ranked opponents. Turns out there was plenty of drama, including Oregon surviving a scare from Boise State which could affect the Ducks No. 2 ranking. With games being played on Labor Day the polls won't be updated until Tuesday.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- How much stock do you place in the rankings?
- Are the close games in Week 1 an indication of anything other than shaking off the rust and getting back to football?
US Open
Carlos Alcaraz looks dominate after taking a four month break to deal with a wrist injury. He's riding a 17 match Grand Slam winning streak on his way to the quarterfinals. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarterfinals in her quest for a third straight US Open title.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- Do you think Alcaraz and Sabalenka will continue their dominance into the Finals?
MLB
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are positioned to be the first teams to clinch a playoff spot, something that could happen as early as this week. Less than 25 games remain in the regular season.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- Which division are you watching most closely?
- Is there any benefit to clinching a spot early when the division title is still up for grabs?
