The Mets and Braves have a remaining schedule with opponents about as equal as it gets.

The New York Mets lost on Sunday night but guess what? So did just about everyone else they’re competing against in the NL Wild Card standings. Oprah handed out a loss to the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants. The surging Arizona Diamondbacks got a victory as did the suddenly relevant Chicago Cubs.

With a month and a half remaining, one of the important places to always look at is the strength of schedule for every team still alive in the race. This is where strength of schedule plays a factor.

Although imperfect because it doesn’t include home/road, any hot streak, etc., it does give us an idea of the easy street some clubs could have. Timing is also important. The Chicago White Sox to close out the season is much different than having them at the end of August like the Mets do.