MLB postseason opens as Dodgers' dynasty faces doubt

As the MLB postseason took off with wild-card action this week — highlighted by another classic Yankees-Red Sox showdown — the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers were among those with byes, waiting and watching to see whom they would face in the division series. There seems to be some sense that the dynasty might be winding down. In fact, only 16 percent of The Athletic staffers surveyed have L.A. pulling off a three-peat, with only 20 percent having them in the Fall Classic at all. A lot of love for the Milwaukee Brewers!

The week's top stories, quiz-style

The Athletic's weekly trivia quiz touched on baseball and a whole lot more, surfacing a packed slate of storylines across the sports world:

Baseball milestones and a postseason bang

Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong joined an exclusive club, while MLB's postseason started with a bang, including one huge home run.

WNBA makes history in the playoffs

History was made in the first round of the WNBA playoffs.

Case Keenum sparks the Bears

Case Keenum's unexpectedly magical night sparked the Chicago Bears.

Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings unloaded quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a trade.

Sarkisian calls a penalty "unacceptable"

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian dubbed a player's penalty "unacceptable."

Tennis doubles mishap ends singles run

A mishap in doubles ended a tennis player's run in singles.

NHL club hands captaincy to a 20-year-old

An NHL team handed its captaincy to a 20-year-old.

Harry Kane's North American gaze

Harry Kane has his eye on North America … and two sports. The Bayern München striker entered the 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign in form; according to a FotMob snapshot taken Oct. 1, 2026, Kane had made four Bundesliga appearances, scoring three goals with one assist.

Knicks weigh White House visit

The New York Knicks were not sure if they would visit the White House.

While you ponder the foolhardiness of picking against the Dodgers, dive in and take a shot at this week's quiz — and check out the Connections: Sports Edition game, too.