This year’s 2026 NLCS is a re-match of last year’s: Brewers vs. Dodgers. Last year, the Dodgers swept. But this year, it’s a different story. And it's being talked about as the “Ali-Frazier” matchup of October baseball this year.

First, Richard looks back on how the Dodgers were able to sweep the Brewers last year.

Then, Richard looks at the differences between the 2026 version of these teams and last year's, including discussion of: the pitching situation(s), the Shohei Ohtani factor, the Jacob Misiorowski factor, the bullpens, Tarik Skubal, how each team won their division series, key Dodger injuries, scoring via the homerun vs. via other methods, hitting with runners on, Jackson Chourio, the X factor of playing confidence, playing with a chip on your shoulder, Brewers manager Pat Murphy's "average Joe" narrative, William Contreras' lengthy homerun trots, and more!

This should be everything you need to know to appreciate this highly anticipated series, which kicks off Sunday, in Milwaukee.