What Is 2016 National League Division Series

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 National League Division Series (NLDS) was a best-of-five playoff series to determine the two teams advancing to the 2016 National League Championship Series. It featured the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants, both series going the full five games.

Key Facts

The 2016 NLDS took place from October 7 to October 14, 2016
The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants in five games
The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Washington Nationals in five games
Game 4 of the Dodgers–Nationals series saw a historic 6-run 9th-inning rally by the Dodgers
The Cubs went on to win the 2016 World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought

Overview

The 2016 National League Division Series (NLDS) marked the opening round of the National League playoffs, determining which two teams would advance to the 2016 National League Championship Series (NLCS). As a best-of-five format, the series featured the top four National League teams based on regular-season performance, seeded by division winners and wild card qualifiers.

Two matchups defined the 2016 NLDS: the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants. Both series went the full five games, delivering dramatic finishes and pivotal performances that shaped the postseason narrative.

October 7–14, 2016: The NLDS spanned eight days, with each series alternating home-field advantage based on regular-season records.
Dodgers vs. Nationals: A hard-fought series that culminated in a dramatic Game 5 victory for Los Angeles at Nationals Park.
Cubs vs. Giants: Chicago overcame a resilient San Francisco team, highlighted by a Game 4 walk-off home run by Javier Báez.
Best-of-five format: The NLDS has used this structure since 1995, requiring teams to win three games to advance.
Home-field advantage: Awarded to the higher-seeded team in Games 1, 2, and 5, influencing travel and crowd dynamics.

How It Works

The NLDS format determines which teams progress to the NLCS, based on playoff seeding and performance in a short series. Each matchup is structured to reward regular-season success while allowing for upsets due to the small sample size.

Best-of-five series: Teams must win three games to advance, with the series ending as soon as one team reaches that threshold.
Seeding: The three division winners are seeded 1–3 by record, while the wild card winner is seeded fourth, regardless of record.
Matchups: The 1st seed plays the 4th seed, and the 2nd seed faces the 3rd seed in the NLDS.
Home-field advantage: The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, and 5, giving them a strategic edge in scheduling and crowd support.
Game scheduling: Games are played consecutively, typically with a travel day between Games 2 and 3 if moving cities.
Wild card round: The loser of the wild card game is eliminated, while the winner advances to face the 1st seed in the NLDS.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the two 2016 NLDS matchups, highlighting key statistics, outcomes, and pivotal moments:

Series	Teams	Winner	Games Played	Deciding Game Date
NLDS 1	Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants	Chicago Cubs	5	October 11, 2016
NLDS 2	Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals	Los Angeles Dodgers	5	October 13, 2016
Game 1 Winner	Cubs (W 8–4), Dodgers (W 4–3)	Both higher seeds won Game 1	October 7	October 7, 2016
Game 5 Score	Cubs 6–5, Dodgers 4–3	Both series ended in one-run games	5	October 11 & 13
Key Player	Javier Báez (Cubs), Corey Seager (Dodgers)	Both rookies delivered clutch hits	5	October 11–13

The table illustrates how tightly contested both series were, with narrow margins and late-game drama defining outcomes. The Cubs and Dodgers both advanced to face each other in the NLCS, setting the stage for a historic postseason run.

Why It Matters

The 2016 NLDS had lasting implications for both franchises and the broader MLB postseason landscape. The outcomes not only determined NLCS participants but also influenced team strategies and fan expectations moving forward.

End of a drought: The Cubs' advancement was a pivotal step toward their first World Series title since 1908, ending a 108-year championship wait.
Rookie impact: Corey Seager and Javier Báez emerged as stars, proving the value of developing young talent for postseason success.
Dodgers’ resilience: Their 6-run 9th-inning rally in Game 5 against the Nationals remains one of the most dramatic comebacks in playoff history.
Giants’ streak ends: San Francisco failed to extend their even-year championship pattern, which had seen them win in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
Managerial decisions: Dusty Baker’s handling of the Nationals’ bullpen in Game 5 drew widespread scrutiny and debate among analysts.
Postseason format: The NLDS reinforced the tension between rewarding regular-season performance and the unpredictability of short playoff series.

The 2016 NLDS remains a benchmark for dramatic, high-stakes baseball, combining clutch performances, historic narratives, and pivotal turning points that shaped the future of multiple franchises.