As the regular season comes to an end and October gets underway, here's how USA TODAY Sports' seven-person panel ranked all 10 playoff teams:

1. Houston Astros (107-55)

Crazier things have happened, but it's hard to imagine this team losing in a short series.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (106-56)

Certainly praying they don't have to face Washington's rotation in the NLDS.

3. New York Yankees (103-59)

After months of consternation, this rotation finally gets the chance to prove itself.

4. Atlanta Braves (97-65)

Have to wonder whether Ronald Acuña Jr. will be 100 percent with his hip injury.

5. Minnesota Twins (101-61)

They're 2-13 against the Yankees in six postseason meetings since 2003.

6. Oakland Athletics (97-65)

Jesus Luzardo has been dominant and could be the X-factor vs. Rays.

7. Tampa Bay Rays (96-66)

We know manager Kevin Cash is creative enough to string nine innings together.

8. Washington Nationals (93-69)

Davey Martinez certainly has his work cut out for wild-card game – but three aces in hand.

9. St. Louis Cardinals (91-71)

Jack Flaherty on track to start NLDS Game 2 after pitching Sunday.

10. Milwaukee Brewers (89-73)