Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

Decluttering and football watching topped my weekend activities. The football games were entertaining, but nothing tops some of the items I found in my closets. (Media credentials from 2008, a knitting kit and a brand new hat tucked into the knitting kit for some reason.)

Clearing out things I don't need and creating more space feels good. It also makes the space feel new. There's a different vibe, energy and motivation that comes with a new, or newly organized, space. 

The same thing happens when we switch up our conversations, especially ones that get repetitive like "How are you?" or "How was your weekend?" Sports can offer a little changeup and a different way to get into a conversation that has a different vibe and energy. These topics can help this week. 

NFL

The first round of the NFL playoffs featured wild games and near upsets. When the dust settled four of the five games were one possession games. The top seeds are in action next weekend. The Denver Broncos - No. 1 in the AFC will face the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks, the top-ranked NFC team, will play the San Francisco 49ers. 

NCAA

Indiana and Miami will play for the national title next Monday in Miami. The location was determined years in advance, but it does give Miami an edge with hometown fans. Top-ranked Indiana is listed as the overwhelming betting favorite heading into the game.

NCAA - Men

College basketball served up a number of upsets over the weekend. Five ranked teams were upset, including No. 2 Michigan. Wisconsin handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season.

NCAA - Women

Top-ranked UConn remains unbeaten but No. 2 Texas lost their first game of the season. No. 12 LSU upset the Longhorns Sunday. 

NHL

The Colorado Avalanche have won 17 straight games at home. They're one win away from tying their longest home winning streak in franchise history. Detroit set the NHL record with 23 straight home wins in 2011-'12.