CHICAGO -- They reside 92 miles from one another, and last saw one another two weeks ago, but the Chicago Cubs can’t get them off their mind, talking about them, thinking about them, and even seeing them in their dreams.

It’s the Milwaukee Brewers.

Now, after the Cubs 2-1 loss Saturday afternoon to the St. Louis Cardinals, coupled with the Brewers' 6-5 win in the evening, the Cubs and Brewers enter Sunday tied for first in the NL Central.

Oh baby, Game 163, the tiebreaker to determine the NL Central Division champion and the top wild-card team, here we come.

“There’s pressure in this game,’’ Cubs outfielder Ben Zobrist says, “and at some level, you have to really enjoy it. You can’t try to avoid it. We like these situations. That’s what we’re made for. That’s what athletes love.

“We’re excited that we have a chance to do some special things here in the next few weeks, so we’re going to try to stay in the moment.’’

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Stressful or not, this is hardly what the Cubs envisioned. They were supposed to celebrate their division title before the Cardinals ever got to town, not even bothering to stage a party when they clinched a wild-card berth.

This is a team that has been in first place in the NL Central since July 13, with the best record in the National League, and now their season could end as early as Tuesday.

The Cubs quietly left the clubhouse knowing they could be eliminated from the division race Sunday if they lose. If they win, they’ll at least have a one-game playoff Monday against the Brewers at Wrigley Field. If they lose that game, they’ll be left with a winner-take-all wild-card game against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Colorado Rockies on Tuesday. And if they’re still alive, will see the Brewers again in a five-game NL Division Series.

The oldest cliché in baseball, “One Game at a Time,’’ never has been more appropriately uttered.

“There are a lot of scenarios that can happen (Sunday), so that’s we have to focus on,’’ Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber said. “When you look back on our season, the ups and downs, a lot of grinds, the 30-for-30 stretch, and where we’re at now, it’s been a lot of fun.

“Not many people have ever played a Game 163, so that would be fun, too.’’

The Cubs kept insisting to anyone who would listen that there’s no stress involved, only joy to be in a situation where their season could end by Tuesday, or stretch until October.

Maybe it was only braggadocio, or trying to prove to themselves that they actually believe it, but they have no choice.

They are on a direct collision course with the Brewers, which could cause a huge pileup in the postseason.

The Cubs, who are going to their fourth consecutive postseason, are trying to win their second World Series championship in three years. The Brewers are trying to win only their second division title in 36 years, having never won the World Series.

“They’re good, really good,’’ Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “I like their players, I like the character of their players. They have a nice group there.’’

And an awfully scary group.

The team that was considered little more than an annoying little brother all summer, but never a threat, with even Cubs starter Cole Hamels scoffing at the idea it’s a rivalry, now are threatening to ruin the Wrigleyville bar business in October.

“Right now, they’re’ hotter than a firecracker,’’ said Cardinals manager Mike Schildt, watching the Brewers win 25 of their last 35 games. “They can’t do anything wrong.’’

The Cubs insist they’re not going to concern themselves what they’re doing down on I-94, and won’t worry about the Brewers until they play them, but certainly there’s a whole lot of anxiety.

“It’s a special moment to be able to see that type of intensity that comes with meaningful games, and that sort of playoff atmosphere,’’ Hamels said. “It’s a little better when you win, but you’re at least playing hard. These are the moments you train for. You appreciate what you have, and what we can go out and get.

“We do have next week that we are going to be playing for, you just want it to be more of a five-game series than that one-and-done, the crazy wild card game, and that it.’’

Well, if nothing else, the Cubs at least are immune to adversity. They lost two closers in September, their lavish free-agents starters (Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood) were busts, former MVP Kris Bryant has struggled all year with shoulder injuries, but here they are, still in control of their destiny.

Says Zobrist: “We’ve proven we can take a lot of hits and keep on coming.’’

Now, we’re about to find out whether the Cubs can get off the canvas, stand up, and clear their heads in time before given the 10-count.

“Since the time you were in Little League, these are the situations you always want to be in,’’ Maddon said. “So why would you choose not to enjoy that, or create an ominous situation that distracts the joy?

“I want them to embrace this and enjoy it. It is fun. And really should bring out the best in our guys.’’

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