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2026 MLB playoff predictions: Expert picks for Dodgers vs. Braves, Yankees vs. Rays and every LDS matchup
Developing
In Short: CBS Sports experts predict the Dodgers and Yankees will dominate their respective playoff series, with the Dodgers favored over the Braves and the Yankees over the Rays.
CBS Sports experts are making their predictions for the 2026 MLB playoffs, focusing on the League Division Series matchups.
According to the experts, the Dodgers' rotation is a significant advantage over the Braves, especially after Chris Sale's bullpen stint in the Wild Card series.
The Dodgers are expected to win the series in four games, with their fully healthy rotation of aces or ace-capable pitchers, a better offense, and the Braves' pitching situation being described as troubling.
The Yankees are also favored to win their series against the Rays, with the experts noting the Yankees' powerful lineup and the Rays' less dominant pitching.
The CBS Sports experts also highlighted the Brewers' consistent pitching, stating that the Brewers never put a bad pitcher on the mound.
The 2026 MLB playoffs are down to eight teams, with the four teams that earned byes ready to join the fun.
The League Division Series kick off on Saturday, with the Yankees facing the Rays and other matchups to follow.
What this adds
The CBS Sports experts provide odds for each series from DraftKings, but specific odds are not detailed in the facts.
The 2026 Wild Card Series began on Tuesday, September 29, with the Yankees and Red Sox facing off in Game 1.
Background
The 2026 Wild Card Series will kick off on Tuesday, September 29, with the Yankees and Red Sox facing off in Game 1.
What's still developing
- The Dodgers rotation feels like an enormous advantage here, especially after Chris Sale came out of the bullpen in Game 3 of the Wild Card series and may feel some fatigue come his Game 2 start.
- Pick: Dodgers in 4 Perry: The Dodgers are again a powerhouse, even if the lineup is getting old in spots.
- As such, your CBS Sports MLB experts are here to predict how each of the best-of-five series will go.
- Below are picks from our MLB writers for every Wild Card Series, plus odds for each series from DraftKings.
- Power tends to rule in the playoffs, and the White Sox have more of it.