SI.COM

FOR OCT. 9, 2017

MESSRS. OCTOBER

The MLB playoffs are underway. Three clubs crossed the 100-win mark this season—the Dodgers, the Indians and the Astros—but they're not locks for the World Series. Even the wild card teams have a fighting chance. So who's in the best position to win it all? SPORTS ILLUSTRATED'S baseball crew will lay out a case for each team, make its picks and tell you who could be October x-factors (the Cubs' Kyle Schwarber? the Astros' George Springer?). For predictions, analysis and coverage throughout the playoffs, go to si.com/mlb

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HAVE A BALL

After a wild offseason of drama and trades—and dramatic trades—the 2017--18 NBA season is upon us. To make sure you're ready, The Crossover is launching its comprehensive preview this week. We'll have division-by-division breakdowns and a look at which teams (like Karl Anthony Towns's Timberwolves or Joel Embiid's Sixers) will surprise in a good way and which will flop, along with our predictions for the season's most compelling stories. For all that and much more, head to si.com/nba

CANES ARE ABLE

In its second season under coach Mark Richt, Miami is 3--0 as it heads to Tallahassee to take on rival Florida State. Led by junior running back Mark Walton and a strong defense, the Canes are eyeing their first trip to the ACC championship game and a return to their glory days (four national titles from 1983 to '91). Is The U back? This week Chris Johnson examines how far the program has come—and how much further it has to go—at si.com/college-football