1. Los Angeles FC
Was it really going to be anyone else? Not only are Los Angeles FC the best team in MLS this season; they are the best team in MLS history. They have the most points, the joint-most goals scored, the highest goal difference — which is a staggering +48, the next best is New York City FC with +21 — and the best player in MLS.
Bob Bradley’s team have utterly swept through MLS this year, and there is very little reason to think they will not do the same throughout the playoffs. And more than just being the best team, with the new playoff format, they will play all of their games at home, including MLS Cup, should they reach it.
LAFC lost just one game all season at the Banc of California Stadium. Admittedly, that came against Minnesota United, who they will face in the knockout round should the Loons overcome the LA Galaxy in the first round. But LAFC have been even more dominant at home than they have normally, and that really is saying something.
LAFC, then, are the team to beat. No one else really comes close. But this is the MLS Playoffs, and as we all know, absolutely anything could happen.