Possessing a formidable starting rotation, US media favors the Phillies to topple the "Cosmic Dodgers"

The Los Angeles Dodgers, aiming for a third consecutive championship, are still the most eye-catching powerhouse in the NL, but after recently falling into their worst slump of the season, people are now debating which NL team is most likely to defeat the "Blue Giants" in the playoffs.

According to a US sports media analysis, the Philadelphia Phillies are considered the team in the NL with the best chance to end the Dodgers' reign, and their biggest advantage is a stellar starting rotation that can handle short series.

If the Phillies make the playoffs, they can deploy a three-man rotation of Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo in a series. This top-three rotation gives the Phillies enough front-end starting power to face the Dodgers, and also allows them to match up against the Dodgers' strengthened rotation after they acquired Tarik Skubal before the trade deadline.

The Dodgers returned home today and narrowly beat the Royals, who have the third-worst record in the American League, by one run. Since August, they have lost 8 of 10 games, dropping behind the Brewers and Braves in the NL standings. The team's pitching and hitting remain inconsistent. For a team aiming for a three-peat, the stability of the lineup, bullpen, and starting rotation are all under greater scrutiny.

In contrast, the Phillies have also made moves to strengthen, trading for powerful hitter Luis Arraez to address the instability of their lineup's on-base percentage. Arraez has always been known for his precise hitting ability, bringing a different style of offense to the Phillies' lineup and giving the team more offensive options as they chase a playoff spot.

In a co-authored article, FOX Sports reporters Deesha Thosar and Rowan Kavner listed the Phillies as the NL team most capable of defeating the Dodgers. Thosar noted, "Philadelphia's top three starters—Wheeler, Sanchez, and Luzardo—are a terrifying combination."

Kavner also mentioned that the Chicago Cubs recently swept the Dodgers, making them worth discussing, but if he had to pick one NL team most likely to topple the Dodgers, he would still lean toward the Phillies. He said, "If I have to choose one team, I think I'd go with Philadelphia based on what I saw last October."

This view is also related to the 2025 NL Division Series. Although the Dodgers eliminated the Phillies 3-1, Kavner believes the actual gap in that series was closer than the final record suggests. In other words, the Phillies have proven they can trouble the Dodgers in the playoffs, but they are still missing that final push.

Of course, if the Phillies want to challenge the Dodgers again, they must first secure a playoff spot. They are already 7.5 games behind the first-place Braves in the NL East, currently holding the third wild-card position, under pressure from the Padres, and with the Diamondbacks ahead, the competition among these three teams is intense.

If the Phillies can emerge, once they enter a short series, elite starting pitchers can often significantly change the outcome. The presence of Wheeler, Sanchez, and Luzardo gives the Phillies a fighting chance against any NL powerhouse, and makes the Dodgers' path to a third consecutive World Series title look less smooth.