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The Milwaukee Brewers have captured national attention after seizing a one-game advantage in the National League Championship Series, with many media figures now forecasting an end to the Los Angeles Dodgers' pursuit of a third consecutive World Series crown.
Here is a roundup of predictions from prominent national sports writers and analysts regarding the Brewers and Dodgers as the series progresses.
The Athletic / New York Times
Grant Brisbee, a senior writer for The Athletic who also covers the San Francisco Giants, views this as Milwaukee's finest opportunity to secure a National League pennant and a World Series title. He notes that this year's squad is improved, distinct, and more self-assured, following a regular season in which they established a franchise record for victories. The team posted the best record in baseball, and advanced metrics supported their success.
Brisbee wrote, "This is the Brewers best chance to win their first NL pennant, much less their first championship, and they know it. The only thing standing in their way is themselves. And maybe the other best team in baseball, which has done it before. No pressure." The Athletic ranked Milwaukee as the top team among the remaining four to capture the title.
ESPN
In a poll of 24 ESPN baseball experts, 16 selected the Brewers to defeat the Dodgers in the NLCS. Writer Jeff Passan highlighted Milwaukee's pitching strength, stating, "Between Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson, the Brewers boast two of the toughest-to-hit starters in baseball. And the bullpen, a strength in 2025, is every bit as good this year and might actually get some leads to hold onto. Yes, the Dodgers finished seven games ahead of where they were in 2025, so it's not like they're flailing, particularly with how strongly they wrapped up the regular season. The Brewers are simply surging more; now is their time."
ESPN's prediction record has been reliable, with each of their favored teams advancing to the Final Four, often as heavy favorites. To reach that stage, ESPN experts favored the Cleveland Guardians 19-5, the Tampa Bay Rays 18-6, the Los Angeles Dodgers 23-1, and the Brewers over the Padres 22-2.
Yahoo! Sports
Yahoo! Sports predicts the Brewers will win in seven games, suggesting that if they select good pitches and reduce their reliance on small ball, they can secure the series. The outlet emphasizes that defense is solid, so Milwaukee should concentrate on a robust offensive approach.
Senior writer Jake Mintz said, "The gap has closed. Last year, Milwaukee's offense was helpless against Los Angeles' pitching staff, while the Ohtani-led Dodgers lineup hummed against the Brewers' arms. But this aging Dodgers position-player group looks shakier than ever, and the Brewers' bats have all leveled up. To win the series, Milwaukee will need to win at least one game started by Skubal or Yamamoto. That's a tough task, but I think they're up for the fight and that Chourio has enough pixie dust to knock off baseball's big, bad juggernaut in what should be an unforgettable battle." The Brewers secured their first win of the series against Skubal.
Bleacher Report
Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer offers the boldest prediction among national outlets, picking the Brewers to sweep the Dodgers for the pennant. He acknowledged the pick's irrationality given the Dodgers' superior power and comparable pitching, noting that even in a loss, the over/under for Dodgers wins is around 2.5. Rymer stated, "There's nonetheless a decent chance that this ends up being a low-scoring series, in which case the Brewers will have multiple advantages. Notably, they run the bases and field the ball better than the Dodgers do. They make things happen, and stop things from happening to them."
CBS Sports
CBS Sports' five MLB experts are divided, with three choosing the Dodgers and two the Brewers. Kate Feldman picked the Dodgers in six, explaining, "I think this is going to be a tight series, but it's all going to come down to the pitching and the Dodgers just outduel the Brewers, even with a 1-2 punch of Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson. Los Angeles still isn't getting much (if anything) from Shohei Ohtani and yet they keep winning anyway. And as always, power wins in October."
Matt Snyder chose the Brewers in seven, saying, "The Brewers were dominated by the Dodgers' rotation last season, but the offense is a bit more capable this time around behind budding superstar Jackson Chourio. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is clearly compromised on the Dodgers' side. Plus, Milwaukee has Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson capable of throwing like aces and that's something that wasn't the case last year. With things a bit closer both in the rotation and on offense, the Brewers being better on defense and doing the 'little things' is what swings this one. Also, their late-inning vibes are off the charts, so I'll say they walk it off in Game 7. Why not? That would be great fun."
NBC Sports
NBC Sports' most recent prediction is outdated, as the San Diego Padres have been eliminated. Two writers picked the Padres, one the Dodgers, and two the Brewers. Eric Samulski expressed confidence in Milwaukee, stating, "I will admit my bias again when talking about why I picked against the Yankees. I just think this Brewers team is finally going to break through. The Yankees were lights out against the Red Sox, but they have been prone to strikeouts throughout the season. That can make them a volatile offense, and I think the consistency of the Brewers will win the day here."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Many national media experts side with Brewers over Dodgers in NLCS.
Originally reported by yahoo.