In both the American and National Leagues, no other team has clinched. The Yankees and Astros have their magic numbers under 10, sure, but they still haven’t clinched. The Braves are still being trailed by the Nationals too closely to give them their division title.
So the Dodgers, and us their fans, are in a unique position. We get to examine the league around us without the blinding fervor that enveloped us last season. We don’t need to worry about making the playoffs or winning the division. No game 163 for us, the team already handled their business.