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The Brewers have a chance to crush Cubs' playoff dreams, or at least change them significantly

The Brewers could deal a devastating knock-out punch in this week's five game series at Wrigley Field
ByTyler Koerth|
Jul 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning as Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (15) looks on at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Jul 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning as Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (15) looks on at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers are heading into a pivotal five-games-in-four-days showdown against the Chicago Cubs, riding high after setting a franchise record with 14 straight wins, and eager to start a new streak. On the other side, the Cubs have stumbled, winning just three of their last 10 games and posting a 13-14 record since the All-Star break. They've also fallen eight games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central race.

Despite slipping in the division race, the Cubs still hold the top Wild Card spot, a crucial position, as it comes with home-field advantage in the best-of-three Wild Card Series. In contrast, the second and third Wild Card teams must hit the road: the second travels to face the top Wild Card team, while the third takes on the division winner with the weakest record.

The Milwaukee Brewers have a chance to kill the Chicago Cubs playoff dreams, or change them significantly

With five games on tap between the Brewers and Cubs this week, playoff positioning could shift. Milwaukee has been on a tear, and it's not far-fetched to imagine them taking four of five at Wrigley Field. Such a result could deal a serious blow to Chicago’s grip on the top Wild Card spot and add even more pressure down the stretch.

Heading into this series, the Cubs' biggest threat for the top Wild Card spot is the San Diego Padres, who sit just 1.5 games behind them. The New York Mets are slipping, having won only two of their last eight, while the Cincinnati Reds trail the Mets by just one game. With the Padres set to face a struggling Giants team in a four-game series this week, Chicago faces a very real risk of losing its hold on the top Wild Card position if things don’t go their way against Milwaukee.

There is a lot on the line in this week’s five-game clash between the Cubs and Brewers. The Brewers are surging and looking to create even more distance atop the division, while the Cubs are fighting to hold onto the top Wild Card spot and the valuable home-field advantage that comes with it. Every game will matter, and the outcome of this series could go a long way in shaping the postseason picture for both teams and how much momentum they have going forward.

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