Our Guide to MLB Playoffs 2025: Matchups, Predictions, and Schedule

Written By Nick Crain | Published at October 1, 2025
Sep 26, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out against Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby (68) during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images
MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Seattle Mariners

The MLB Playoffs have arrived, bringing October drama, unforgettable moments and plenty of intrigue for fans and bettors alike. With the field set and the chase for the World Series underway, this is the perfect time to break down the bracket, key matchups and where the MLB Playoff Odds currently stand.

As always, baseball odds will vary depending on the sportsbook, but they offer a clear picture of which teams are viewed as true contenders and which underdogs could shake things up. This guide will get you ready to place smarter bets and identify where the best value might be as the postseason unfolds.

BetMGM Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet Now BetMGM Promo
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

MLB Playoffs Format

As outlined by the league, the MLB playoffs feature 12 teams, six from each league. Each league includes three division winners and three Wild Card teams. The Wild Card round is best-of-three, while the Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series are all best-of-seven.

The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds receive first-round byes and advance directly to the Division Series. In the Wild Card Series, the No. 3 seed faces the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed faces the No. 5 seed. All Wild Card games are played at the higher seed’s home park over a three-day span in a three-game series to minimize downtime for the top two seeds.

Teams are not reseeded after the Wild Card round. The No. 1 seed will face the winner of the 4 vs. 5 Wild Card Series, while the No. 2 seed will face the winner of the 3 vs. 6 matchup. This setup ensures that the top seed avoids playing another division winner in the Division Series while keeping the bracket format intact.

Bracket and Matchups

Before the Division Series, four different Wild Card matchups are currently taking place. The winner in each of these three-game series will advance, and that's when the playoffs truly start. October is the best time of the year when it comes to baseball.

Wild Card Matchups

Following these four series, only eight teams will remain in the chase for a World Series.

FanDuel Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

World Series Winner Odds

Odds via FanDuel (as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30)

The MLB Playoffs are simply remarkable. When it comes to professional sports, baseball is a special scene come playoff time. From here, there will be favorites that fall, while underdogs shock the world.

#
Sportsbook
Bonus
Features
Play
1
BetMGM Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
2
Bet365 Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
3
Caesars Up to $250 Bonus Bet
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
4
Hard Rock Bet Double Your Winnings on Your First 10 Bets! $50 Max Bets
To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in an Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. GAMBLING PROBLEM Arizona Customers: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or Text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia Customers: Call 1-800-GAMBLER Indiana Customers: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT Tennessee Customers: Call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789
5
FanDuel Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
6
DraftKings New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
7
Fanatics Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.