Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

Sometimes it's hard to ask for help and sometimes you don't have much choice but to ask. That's what I was thinking as I watched several of the Seahawks players Sunday. Some of those guys are wearing so much tape on their fingers and hands (one of our guys had a cast that looked like a club on his hand) they couldn't tie their shoes or adjust their jerseys after they got twisted around. Not a single teammate minded helping out. 

Most people want to help if you give them a chance and that includes in conversation. If you're stuck and don't know how to start the conversation it could sound something like this: "Could you help me out with something? I don't quite understand the College Football Playoff system. What should I know?"

You might be surprised at just how much help you get. In fact, you could do that with any of these sports conversation starters this week.  

NFL

The New York Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to Miami on Sunday. That means they'll miss the playoffs for the 15th straight season - the longest playoff drought in the NFL. The Jets also break their tie with the Buffalo Sabres for the longest ongoing playoff drought among the four major men's sports leagues in North America.

NCAA

Indiana defeated top-ranked Ohio State to win the Big Ten title for the first time since 1967. The Hoosiers are the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff bracket. They will get a first-round bye along with Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech. Alabama became the first three-loss team to make the CFP and Miami was chosen with the final at-large bid over Notre Dame despite the Irish being listed two spots ahead of Miami last week and neither team playing over the weekend. As a result of the snub Notre Dame removed itself from bowl consideration across the board. 

NBA

It happened a few days ago, but still worth talking about - LeBron James streak of 1,277 straight games (and almost 19 years) with at least 10 points ended Thursday. Instead of opting to take a shot he passed the ball for the game-winning assist. 

MLS

Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps to claim its first MLS title and soccer legend Lionel Messi was named MVP after tallying two assists.

World Cup

The World Cup Draw took place Friday and Saturday. The tournament starts in June and takes place at venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This year the field expanded from 32 teams to 48 teams. Spain is considered the favorite. 

MLB

The baseball Winter Meetings are taking place this week in Orlando Florida. This tends to be a time when trades are made because all the general managers are in the same place. Kyle Tucker is the top free agent still on the board.