Dodgers and Phillies collide in a marquee NLDS, anchored by Otani’s first playoff start as leadoff against Christopher Sanchez. Philly counters with a lefty trio (Sanchez, Lazardo, Suarez) while LA leans on Yamamoto and Glasnow, with rest days shaping the rotation and bullpen depth. The off-days could tilt leverage starts and force unusual bullpen alignments, making every decision magnified for fantasy managers.

Beyond this series, Cubs-Brewers heat up as a second NL spotlight, with Freddy Peralta opening for Milwaukee, Kate Horton looming for Chicago, and a bullpen-centric grind that could spark upsets. Even if LA looks strongest on paper, the Phillies’ lineup and late-game depth keep October unpredictable and ripe for fantasy value on both sides.

Montez Sweat anchors Chicago’s bye-week discussion as the Bears weigh a cap-leaning path: keep the pricey edge, rework the deal, or move on and lean on a budding rotation. The crew weighs Sweat’s $98 million four-year pact, roughly $25 million against the cap, and the potential $8.1 million dead cap hit if cut. DomRob and Austin Booker are viewed as key complementary pieces, with a possible edge-rich draft on the horizon to avoid overpaying in free agency. TJ Edwards and Kyler Gordon returning could sharpen run defense, while Caleb Williams buzz seeps into fan bets and DFS talk. The weekend slate—Browns at Vikings in London and Lions at Bengals—adds betting texture as development and scheme take center stage over quick fixes.

DJ Moore's versatility keeps Chicago's offense humming as Caleb Williams learns Ben Johnson's system, making Moore a non-trade centerpiece even as Williams grows. The Bears' playoff odds stay alive with Williams’ development and Moore's leadership, while the by-week stadium chatter reminds that the next era hinges on balancing talent with smart scheming.

Across the league, Detroit's bounce-back, Green Bay's stumble, and Crosby's dominance with Las Vegas frame the strategic chessboard. The locker-room optimism and stadium renderings heighten the stakes as Chicago eyes a true year-two jump, leveraging Williams' traits and Moore's impact to build toward a playoff push.

Pete Crow-Armstrong blasted onto the fantasy radar with a 3030 rookie season and a clear path to 2026 stardom, sending a message that Cubs outfield depth could become a real advantage next year. Geraldo Perdomo followed with a complete shortstop breakout: 20 homers, 27 stolen bases, and a .290 average across 161 games, presenting a floor that should keep him in the middle infield mix.

Shay Langeliers transformed into a true power catcher, topping 30 homers and driving catcher value higher than expected, while Hunter Goodman thrived in Colorado with 31 HR and 91 RBI in a full season, though Colorado shelter or league change could twist the numbers. Andy Paz, Christopher Sanchez, Andrew Abbott, and other youngsters fed optimism and caution in equal measure as the season closed, feeding Keeper/Dynasty plans and 2026 draft boards.

Further notes pointed to strong late-year performers like Langeliers and Sanchez, while question marks around Paz’s second-half fade and Abbott’s regression risk kept expectations grounded. The episode also highlighted carryover keeper strategies, keeper/dynasty timelines, and how to attack 2026 ADPs with breakout potential in mind.