{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"Welcome to the Elite 8","video":"0YQxQDLOxeXM","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/A_S_ASTROS_ALDS_HYPE_WEB_1920x1080_1800113731561.jpg","alt":"A's-Astros ALDS Game 1: Time for Oakland to 'take out the trash'","title":"A's-Astros ALDS Game 1: Time for Oakland to 'take out the trash'"},"credit":"USATSI","published":1601389020,"caption":"

There has never been a more aptly named postseason round than the one that starts today.

The Division Series consists entirely of matchups between teams from the same divisions, and they're pretty spicy.

The AL brings the drama, and the potential for purpose pitches, while the NL includes a matchup between the two best teams in the league -- who happen to be in the NL West -- and a fun underdog trying to shock another traditional power.

Here's how we have them ranked heading into what should be an awesome week of baseball in the bubbles ...

"},{"title":"8. Miami Marlins (31-29)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Sanchez_S_Getty_1270543557.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601390111,"caption":"

They've embraced the "bottom feeders" nickname and quieted the Cubs in the first round. Do yourself a favor this week, find a way to be in front of the TV when hard-throwing rookie Sixto Sanchez starts against the Braves.

"},{"title":"7. Houston Astros (29-31)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Altuve_J_Getty_1276669976.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601390310,"caption":"

Dusty Baker is the first manager to lead five different teams to the postseason, but he hasn't been to a World Series in 18 years. A quick sweep of the Twins got Baker through the first round for the first time since 2003 when he was with the Cubs.

"},{"title":"6. New York Yankees (33-27)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Cole_G_Getty.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601390826,"caption":"

There are some great rivalry games on the AL side in this round. The Yankees and Rays have a better feud going right now than the Yankees and Red Sox. Even with the A's and Astros facing off, Yankees-Rays might have the best odds of a benches-clearing incident.

"},{"title":"5. Padres (37-23)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Tatis_F_Getty_1276880501.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601392140,"caption":"

The biggest wild card coming out of the first round. There isn't a team that's more fun to watch, and their bullpen was incredible as they topped the Cardinals. If they get Mike Clevinger and Dinelson Lamet back from arm injuries, they can topple the Dodgers.

Both are question marks, though.

"},{"title":"4. Braves (35-25)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Acuna_R_Getty.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601391698,"caption":"

Old friend Mark Melancon is throwing like the guy the Giants thought they were getting. His cutter was up to 94 mph in the first round and the knuckle-curve is a devastating weapon again.

Melancon held the closer job all year and has Will Smith setting up for him.

"},{"title":"3. A's (36-24)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Laureano_J_Piscotty_S_Getty.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601391831,"caption":"

The lefty-mashing White Sox were as tough a test as any team got in the first round. The A's are set up well against the Astros, the one team they've said all along they want to face.

They'll have baseball fans across the country cheering them on this week, too.

"},{"title":"2. Rays (40-20)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Snell_B_Getty_1275698583.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601391984,"caption":"

Nobody paid attention to them last week, but they quietly steamrolled the Blue Jays. With Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow throwing the way they are, they'll be tough to beat.

"},{"title":"1. Dodgers (43-17)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Kershaw_C_Getty.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601392280,"caption":"

Clayton Kershaw had the best postseason start of his career in the first round, going eight shutout innings and striking out 13. There are serious concerns about another longtime Dodger star, though. Closer Kenley Jansen has diminished stuff and wasn't called upon to protect a three-run lead in Game 2.

It's a risk, but Dave Roberts' best path to a title might be going with rookie Brusdar Graterol in the ninth inning this month.

"}]}

MLB power rankings 2020: Playoff team standings for Division Series