If the Portland Timbers get a chance to defend their MLS Cup title this postseason, they'll have to buck the odds to do it.

After Seattle's 4-2 victory over the LA Galaxy on Sunday, and Portland's 3-1 loss at Houston on Saturday, ESPN's Soccer Power Index has the Sounders favored over the Timbers to grab a spot in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Sporting Kansas City, who broke a 16-year winless streak at San Jose with Saturday's 2-1 victory, also saw their projections to make a sixth straight postseason appearance take a dramatic jump. And in the Eastern Conference, D.C. United's 4-1 thrashing of Orlando City SC on Saturday gave their playoff chances a big boost, with New England now on the outs after Sunday's 2-0 away loss to Columbus Crew SC.

SPI projections for the @MLS playoffs. Seattle (34% to 60%), D.C. (39% to 63%), Sporting KC (59% to 80%) were the top risers this weekend. pic.twitter.com/yHhs6N3vYp — Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) September 26, 2016

Beyond that, who gets the first-round byes that go with finishing top two in the conferences?

Few surprises there: The current top two on each side are the current favorites, with New York City FC still holding on to a 44 percent chance as well after Friday's 4-1 trouncing of the Chicago Fire.

SPI projections to get a bye in the @MLS playoffs. Galaxy drop from 50% to 28% after home loss to Seattle. Rapids up from 63% to 79%. pic.twitter.com/0b3JzDhGEH — Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) September 26, 2016

And while FC Dallas are winless in three straight after Saturday's scoreless draw with Real Salt Lake, their odds of adding a Supporters' Shield to their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title still went up because of favorable results elsewhere in the league.

Soccer Power Index projections for the @MLS Supporters' Shield. @FCDallas up to 57% (from 45%) after the weekend. pic.twitter.com/qM8ePnDNN1 — Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) September 26, 2016

Then again ... they do still play the matches on grass, not on computers. Buckle in; it's going to be a fun ride from here on out.