The 2026 NL playoff bracket sets up the Milwaukee Brewers (103-59) and Los Angeles Dodgers (100-62) with first-round byes, positioning them as the strongest contenders to reach the NLCS after hosting Division Series matchups. The Atlanta Braves (94-68) host the Philadelphia Phillies (88-74) and San Diego Padres (91-71) host the Chicago Cubs (89-73) in best-of-three Wild Card series beginning September 29, with winners advancing to face the top seeds. Recent regular-season form, including the Phillies' late surge to clinch the final wild card and the Padres' September surge, along with pitching depth and home-field advantage in the Division Series, shape trader views on which clubs can overcome the higher seeds in best-of-five formats. Schedule factors such as travel and potential bullpen usage in short series add uncertainty to advancement paths.