The 2022 NWSL playoffs kick off on October 16 with a pair of quarterfinals matches. First, Houston Dash play the Kansas City Current at 5 pm ET on Paramount+ followed by the San Diego Wave against the Chicago Red Stars at 10 pm ET on CBS Sports Network.

But before we say farewell to a couple of clubs in the opening round, let's rank who has the best chance of winning it all.

The NWSL playoff teams, ranked

6. Chicago Red Stars

The Red Stars turned things around when it mattered, but are the most injured team remaining in the playoffs.

5. Kansas City Current

Desiree Scott’s red card suspension is a big problem for head coach Matt Potter to solve versus Houston.

4. San Diego Wave

A healthy Alex Morgan would bump the Wave higher, but the USWNT star’s injured knee has kept her out of the San Diego lineups since mid-September.

3. Houston Dash

Houston’s ability to turn multiple scenarios into quick strikes on goal made them the second-highest scoring team to make the playoffs (only Portland scored more).

2. Portland Thorns

Deep, versatile, full of talent, and can drop three goals on anyone at any time.

1. OL Reign

The NWSL Shield winners may have waited until the last month of the season, but they’re finally getting the goals they deserve, and look formidable.

How to watch the NWSL semifinals and championship

The playoffs will continue on October 23 and conclude the Saturday after on October 29. The semifinals will air on CBS Sports Network, followed by the championship game on CBS.

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